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{{Era|Transportation|Weapons}}
{{Era|Transportation|Weapons}}
{{Quote|Have you ever watched a bird in flight? It's not about being lighter than air, it's about grace and balance. You must use your body's own weight to control your elevation and direction.|Leonardo da Vinci describing the mechanics of the Flying Machine.|Assassin's Creed II}}
{{WP-REAL|Great Kite}}
{{Quote|Have you ever watched a bird in flight? It's not about being lighter than air, it's about grace and balance. You must use your body's own weight to control your elevation and direction.|Leonardo da Vinci describing the mechanics of the Flying Machine.|Assassin's Creed II|Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained}}
[[File:AC2 flying machine.png|250px|thumb|The Flying Machine]]
[[File:AC2 flying machine.png|250px|thumb|The Flying Machine]]
The '''Flying Machine''' was a glider-like vehicle designed and built by [[Leonardo da Vinci]]. It was first tested by the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] in [[Venice]] in 1485.
The '''Flying Machine''' was a glider-like vehicle designed and built by the [[Italy|Italian]] polymath [[Leonardo da Vinci]].<ref name="RomagnaHoliday">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' – [[Romagna Holiday]]</ref> It was first tested by the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditiore]] in [[Venice]] in 1485.<ref name="NothingVentured">''Assassin's Creed II'' – [[Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained]]</ref>


Leonardo would go on to improve its design by adding an incendiary [[Cannons|cannon]] onto its back, which could both be used to attack and start fires to keep the machine aloft. This '''Bomber''' was manufactured in bulk by the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]] forces in [[Valnerina]].
Leonardo would go on to improve its design<ref name="AnUnexpectedVisitor">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' – [[An Unexpected Visitor]]</ref> by adding an incendiary [[cannon]] onto its back, which could both be used to attack and start fires to keep the machine aloft.<ref name="FlyingMachine2.0">''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' – [[Flying Machine 2.0]]</ref> This '''Bomber''' was manufactured in bulk by the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]] forces in [[Valnerina]].<ref name="WarPlans">''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' – [[War Plans (Bomber)]]</ref>


==History==
==History==
===Apennine Mountains===
===Apennine Mountains===
The first time Ezio caught a glimpse of the Flying Machine was when he went to help Leonardo fix the wheel of his carriage in the [[Apennine Mountains]]. After Ezio asked him what it was, Leonardo replied that it was just an idea, one that might be able to make a man fly. Ezio simply dismissed the thought with a laugh, and the two climbed into the wagon and set off.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
The first time Ezio caught a glimpse of the Flying Machine was when he went to help Leonardo fix the wheel of his carriage in the [[Apennine Mountains]]. After Ezio asked him what it was, Leonardo replied that it was just an idea, one that might be able to make a man fly. Ezio simply dismissed the thought with a laugh, and the two climbed into the wagon and set off.<ref name="RomagnaHoliday">


===Venice===
===Venice===
[[File:NVNG 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio attempting flight for the first time]]
[[File:NVNG 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio attempting flight for the first time]]
Some time after arriving in Venice, Ezio and [[Antonio de Magianis]] attempted to find a way into the [[Palazzo Ducale di Venezia|Palazzo Ducale]], so as to save Doge [[Giovanni Mocenigo]] from assassination by the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Carlo Grimaldi]]. Upon stating with frustration that only birds could enter the heavily-guarded palazzo, Ezio remembered Leonardo's invention, and promptly left for [[Bottega di Leonardo|his friend's workshop]].
Some time after arriving in Venice, Ezio and [[Antonio de Magianis]] attempted to find a way into the [[Palazzo Ducale di Venezia|Palazzo Ducale]], so as to save Doge [[Giovanni Mocenigo]] from assassination by the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Carlo Grimaldi]]. Upon stating with frustration that only birds could enter the heavily-guarded palazzo, Ezio remembered Leonardo's invention, and promptly left for [[Bottega di Leonardo|his friend's workshop]].<ref name="IfAtFirst">''Assassin's Creed II'' – [[If At First You Don't Succeed...]]</ref>


Initially, Leonardo thought that he would not be able to find someone crazy enough to test his machine, as it required them to jump off a tower; however, Ezio readily volunteered.
Initially, Leonardo thought that he would not be able to find someone crazy enough to test his machine, as it required them to jump off a tower; however, Ezio readily volunteered.<ref name="NothingVentured">''Assassin's Creed II'' – [[Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained]]</ref>
 
Their first attempt failed, as the Flying Machine was barely able to stay in flight for a few seconds, but Leonardo was still amazed that Ezio could even fly at all. After checking the design to see if the duration of the flight could be extended, Leonardo gave up and cursed the machine, throwing the plans for it into his fireplace.


Their first attempt failed, as the Flying Machine was barely able to stay in flight for a few seconds, but Leonardo was still amazed that Ezio could even fly at all. After checking the design to see if the duration of the flight could be extended, Leonardo gave up and cursed the machine, throwing the plans for it into his fireplace.<ref name="NothingVentured"/>
[[File:IF 4.png|thumb|250px|Ezio flying towards the Palazzo Ducale]]
[[File:IF 4.png|thumb|250px|Ezio flying towards the Palazzo Ducale]]
However, this inspired Leonardo, as he saw the paper levitating above the fire, buoyed by the hot air. With this, he suspected that the Flying Machine could work in the same manner. As a result, Antonio de Magianis instructed his [[thieves]] to set up fires across the city, allowing Ezio to fly over them and successfully make his way to the palazzo.
However, this inspired Leonardo, as he saw the paper levitating above the fire, buoyed by the hot air. With this, he suspected that the Flying Machine could work in the same manner. As a result, Antonio de Magianis instructed his [[Thief|thieves]] to set up fires across the city,<ref name="NothingVentured"/> allowing Ezio to fly over them and successfully make his way to the palazzo.<ref name="InfrequentFlier">''Assassin's Creed II'' – [[Infrequent Flier]]</ref>


Unfortunately, during the landing, the machine's wing caught fire from an [[Archers|archer]]'s flaming arrow, and after a sudden drop onto the roof, the glider crashed into the harbor by the palazzo.<ref name="AC2"/>
Unfortunately, during the landing, the machine's wing caught fire from an [[archer]]'s flaming arrow, and after a sudden drop onto the roof, the glider crashed into the harbor by the palazzo.<ref name="InfrequentFlier"/>


===Valnerina===
===Valnerina===
{{Quote|The first designs were defective. Everyone who piloted one died, several even exploded. But we know this one works.|A [[Guards|guard]] commenting on the Bomber.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood}}After being forced into the service of the Borgia as an engineer, Leonardo significantly improved the design of the Flying Machine, alongside three other [[war Machines|war machines]]. The new Flying Machine, called the Bomber, could then be used more aggressively, rather than just for travel. The fire cannon it bore also allowed it to travel over greater distances, without pre-set fires on the ground.
{{Quote|The first designs were defective. Everyone who piloted one died, several even exploded. But we know this one works.|A guard commenting on the Bomber.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood|Flying Machine 2.0}}
After being forced into the service of the Borgia as an engineer, Leonardo significantly improved the design of the Flying Machine, alongside three other [[war Machines|war machines]].<ref name="AnUnexpectedVisitor"/> The new Flying Machine, called the Bomber, could then be used more aggressively, rather than just for travel. The fire cannon it bore also allowed it to travel over greater distances, without pre-set fires on the ground.<ref name="FlyingMachine2.0"/>
 
In order to weaken the Borgia forces, Ezio traveled to Valnerina to burn the plans for the Bomber, and destroy the working versions of it.<ref name="WarPlans"/> After stealing one of the few working prototypes, Ezio proceeded to fly over and destroy every Borgia workshop, where the Bomber and various other weapons were being manufactured for their wars across [[Europe]].<ref name="FlyingMachine2.0"/>
[[File:Flying Machine 2.0 6.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio firing at a workshop in Valerina]]
Ezio also used the machine to attack any wagons that attempted to bring salvaged materials from the workshops to the safety of the fortress, including a single mounted messenger who attempted to alert [[Cesare Borgia]] of the attack. Finally, after ensuring that the design could not be used by the Borgia, Ezio crashed the machine he had been using into a wooden guard tower, destroying it completely.<ref name="FlyingMachine2.0"/>
 
===Colonial America===
[[File:AC3 Connor Flying Machine.png|thumb|250px|Connor attempting to pilot the Flying Machine]]
In 1778, when the [[United States|American]] [[wood]]worker [[Lance O'Donnell]] received plans from [[France]] for a folding chair,<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Thousand-Pound Idea]]</ref> he was also given plans for Leonardo's Flying Machine. In his excitement, Lance built the device and [[Ratonhnhaké:ton]] chose to test it. However, they were unaware of the heat required to provide elevation for the machine, and it promptly crashed into the bay of [[Davenport Homestead]] during the flight attempt.<ref>''Assassin's Creed III'' – [[Floating conversations]]: Homestead residents</ref>
 
==Modern day==
In 2014, the Templar front company [[Abstergo Entertainment]] created a digital model of the Flying Machine to use in their marketing campaign for the [[Helix|Helix Navigator]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]'' – [[21st century conversations|Modern day]]</ref>


In order to weaken the Borgia forces, Ezio traveled to Valnerina to burn the plans for the Bomber, and destroy the working versions of it. After stealing one of the few working prototypes, Ezio proceeded to fly over and destroy every Borgia workshop, where the Bomber and various other weapons were being manufactured for their wars across [[Europe]].
==Behind the scenes==
Historically, it was believed that {{Wiki|Tommaso Masini|Tommaso Masini da Peretola}}, a pupil of Leonardo's, flew his master's machine for 1 kilometer in the countryside outside Florence in 1505, but had a rough landing and ended up with a broken leg.<ref>{{WP|Monte Ceceri}}</ref>


[[File:Flying Machine 2.0 6.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio firing at a workshop in Valerina]]
The Bomber machine was never implemented as a plan by Leonardo, since his flying machine was unsuccessful due to the test flight his student had done.
Ezio also used the machine to attack any wagons that attempted to bring salvaged materials from the workshops to the safety of the fortress, including a single mounted messenger who attempted to alert [[Cesare Borgia]] of the attack.
 
The flying machine could be seen in the background of both of Leonardo's workshops.


Finally, after ensuring that the design could not be used by the Borgia, Ezio crashed the machine he had been using into a wooden guard tower, destroying it completely.<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>
After downloading the [[Battle of Forlì (DLC)|''Battle of Forlì'' downloadable content]] for ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', a "Special Memory" was added to the map of [[Forlì]], where Ezio could use the Flying Machine at any time. This was likely added as another opportunity to gain the "'''Fly Swatter'''" [[Assassin's Creed II achievements|achievement]].


{{-}}
Successfully using and destroying the Bomber granted the "'''Boom!'''" [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood achievements|achievement]].
===Colonial [[United States|America]]===
[[File:AC3 Connor Flying Machine.png|thumb|250px|Connor attempting to pilot the Flying Machine]]
When the woodworker [[Lance O'Donnell]] received plans from [[France]] for a folding chair, he was also given plans for Leonardo's Flying Machine. In his excitement, Lance built the device and [[Ratonhnhaké:ton]] chose to test it.


However, they were unaware of the heat required to provide elevation for the machine, and it promptly crashed into the bay of [[Davenport Homestead]] during the flight attempt.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>
The model of the Flying Machine in the armory at the [[Tiber Island headquarters]] was not modelled after the Bomber in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', but after the original Flying Machine in ''Assassin's Creed II''.


{{-}}
A small model of the Flying Machine could be purchased as an avatar prop for Xbox 360 avatars.
==Trivia==
*Historically, it was believed that {{Wiki|Tommaso Masini|Tommaso Masini da Peretola}}, a pupil of Leonardo's, did fly his master's machine for 1 kilometer in the countryside outside Florence in 1505, but had a rough landing and ended up with a broken leg.
*The Bomber machine was never implemented as a plan by Leonardo, since his flying machine was unsuccessful due to the test flight his student had done.
*The flying machine could be seen in the background of both of Leonardo's workshops.
*A guard in Venice referred to the Flying Machine as a "flying demon".
*After downloading the [[Battle of Forlì (DLC)|''Battle of Forlì'' downloadable content]] for ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', a "Special Memory" was added to the map of [[Forlì]], where Ezio could use the Flying Machine at any time. This was likely added as another opportunity to gain the "'''Fly Swatter'''" [[Assassin's Creed II achievements|achievement]].
*Successfully using and destroying the Bomber granted the "'''Boom!'''" [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood achievements|achievement]].
*The model of the Flying Machine in the armory at the [[Tiber Island headquarters]] was not modelled after the Bomber in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', but after the original Flying Machine in ''Assassin's Creed II''.
*A small model of the Flying Machine could be purchased as an avatar prop for Xbox 360 avatars.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 58: Line 60:
AC2 BOF flyingmachine.jpg|Ezio using the Flying Machine in Forlì
AC2 BOF flyingmachine.jpg|Ezio using the Flying Machine in Forlì
Flying Machine 2.0 11.png|Ezio destroying the Bomber
Flying Machine 2.0 11.png|Ezio destroying the Bomber
ACU - Flying machine.png|[[Abstergo Entertainment]]'s rendition of the Flying Machine through their [[Helix|Helix Navigator]]
ACU - Flying machine.png|Abstergo Entertainment's rendition of the Flying Machine
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Appearances==
*''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' {{1st}}
*[[Assassin's Creed II (mobile game)|''Assassin's Creed II'' (mobile game)]] {{c|non-canon}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''
*[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (mobile game)|''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' (mobile game)]] {{c|non-canon}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Rebellion]]''


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 04:20, 12 September 2021


"Have you ever watched a bird in flight? It's not about being lighter than air, it's about grace and balance. You must use your body's own weight to control your elevation and direction."
―Leonardo da Vinci describing the mechanics of the Flying Machine.[src]-[m]
The Flying Machine

The Flying Machine was a glider-like vehicle designed and built by the Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci.[1] It was first tested by the Assassin Ezio Auditiore in Venice in 1485.[2]

Leonardo would go on to improve its design[3] by adding an incendiary cannon onto its back, which could both be used to attack and start fires to keep the machine aloft.[4] This Bomber was manufactured in bulk by the Borgia forces in Valnerina.[5]

History

Apennine Mountains

The first time Ezio caught a glimpse of the Flying Machine was when he went to help Leonardo fix the wheel of his carriage in the Apennine Mountains. After Ezio asked him what it was, Leonardo replied that it was just an idea, one that might be able to make a man fly. Ezio simply dismissed the thought with a laugh, and the two climbed into the wagon and set off.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

Initially, Leonardo thought that he would not be able to find someone crazy enough to test his machine, as it required them to jump off a tower; however, Ezio readily volunteered.[2]

Their first attempt failed, as the Flying Machine was barely able to stay in flight for a few seconds, but Leonardo was still amazed that Ezio could even fly at all. After checking the design to see if the duration of the flight could be extended, Leonardo gave up and cursed the machine, throwing the plans for it into his fireplace.[2]

Ezio flying towards the Palazzo Ducale

However, this inspired Leonardo, as he saw the paper levitating above the fire, buoyed by the hot air. With this, he suspected that the Flying Machine could work in the same manner. As a result, Antonio de Magianis instructed his thieves to set up fires across the city,[2] allowing Ezio to fly over them and successfully make his way to the palazzo.[6]

Unfortunately, during the landing, the machine's wing caught fire from an archer's flaming arrow, and after a sudden drop onto the roof, the glider crashed into the harbor by the palazzo.[6]

Valnerina

"The first designs were defective. Everyone who piloted one died, several even exploded. But we know this one works."
―A guard commenting on the Bomber.[src]-[m]

After being forced into the service of the Borgia as an engineer, Leonardo significantly improved the design of the Flying Machine, alongside three other war machines.[3] The new Flying Machine, called the Bomber, could then be used more aggressively, rather than just for travel. The fire cannon it bore also allowed it to travel over greater distances, without pre-set fires on the ground.[4]

In order to weaken the Borgia forces, Ezio traveled to Valnerina to burn the plans for the Bomber, and destroy the working versions of it.[5] After stealing one of the few working prototypes, Ezio proceeded to fly over and destroy every Borgia workshop, where the Bomber and various other weapons were being manufactured for their wars across Europe.[4]

Ezio firing at a workshop in Valerina

Ezio also used the machine to attack any wagons that attempted to bring salvaged materials from the workshops to the safety of the fortress, including a single mounted messenger who attempted to alert Cesare Borgia of the attack. Finally, after ensuring that the design could not be used by the Borgia, Ezio crashed the machine he had been using into a wooden guard tower, destroying it completely.[4]

Colonial America

Connor attempting to pilot the Flying Machine

In 1778, when the American woodworker Lance O'Donnell received plans from France for a folding chair,[7] he was also given plans for Leonardo's Flying Machine. In his excitement, Lance built the device and Ratonhnhaké:ton chose to test it. However, they were unaware of the heat required to provide elevation for the machine, and it promptly crashed into the bay of Davenport Homestead during the flight attempt.[8]

Modern day

In 2014, the Templar front company Abstergo Entertainment created a digital model of the Flying Machine to use in their marketing campaign for the Helix Navigator.[9]

Behind the scenes

Historically, it was believed that Tommaso Masini da Peretola, a pupil of Leonardo's, flew his master's machine for 1 kilometer in the countryside outside Florence in 1505, but had a rough landing and ended up with a broken leg.[10]

The Bomber machine was never implemented as a plan by Leonardo, since his flying machine was unsuccessful due to the test flight his student had done.

The flying machine could be seen in the background of both of Leonardo's workshops.

After downloading the Battle of Forlì downloadable content for Assassin's Creed II, a "Special Memory" was added to the map of Forlì, where Ezio could use the Flying Machine at any time. This was likely added as another opportunity to gain the "Fly Swatter" achievement.

Successfully using and destroying the Bomber granted the "Boom!" achievement.

The model of the Flying Machine in the armory at the Tiber Island headquarters was not modelled after the Bomber in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, but after the original Flying Machine in Assassin's Creed II.

A small model of the Flying Machine could be purchased as an avatar prop for Xbox 360 avatars.

Gallery

Appearances

References

  1. Assassin's Creed IIRomagna Holiday
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Assassin's Creed IINothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
  3. 3.0 3.1 Assassin's Creed: BrotherhoodAn Unexpected Visitor
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Assassin's Creed: BrotherhoodFlying Machine 2.0
  5. 5.0 5.1 Assassin's Creed: BrotherhoodWar Plans (Bomber)
  6. 6.0 6.1 Assassin's Creed IIInfrequent Flier
  7. Assassin's Creed IIIThousand-Pound Idea
  8. Assassin's Creed IIIFloating conversations: Homestead residents
  9. Assassin's Creed: UnityModern day
  10. Monte Ceceri on Wikipedia