Could Leonardo da Vinci's tank design have worked?

[Quercus]

@BrainGlutton

Four men inside can move it, that’s a given, but how fast?

I’m not even sure that’s a given. According to Wiki, the first WWI tanks were developed on engines of 45- 75 horsepower, and the first actual combat tanks had 105 hp engines. Now, Leonardo’s design was lighter than the Mark I, but not 100 times lighter I don’t think. And of course, Leonardo didn’t have treads; he had wheels which take even more power to get through mud.

[BrainGlutton]

@Quercus

I’m not even sure that’s a given. According to Wiki, the first WWI tanks were developed on engines of 45- 75 horsepower, and the first actual combat tanks had 105 hp engines. Now, Leonardo’s design was lighter than the Mark I, but not 100 times lighter I don’t think. And of course, Leonardo didn’t have treads; he had wheels which take even more power to get through mud.

Well, in this test four guys could move it. (And shoot the guns effectively, too.) But, they were rolling over pavement, and I don’t know of what they made the shell or how tough it is.

[BrainGlutton]

Of course, it would be different if the tank were moving on a treadmill.

[BrainGlutton]

@BrainGlutton

Well, in this test four guys could move it. (And shoot the guns effectively, too.) But, they were rolling over pavement, and I don’t know of what they made the shell or how tough it is.

Also, curiously:

1. They test firing the guns.

2. They test moving the tank with muscle-power.

3. They don’t test the durability of the tank’s hull by firing anything at it. That’s a pretty important thing to know WRT a tank.