The parachute is only one of many inventions attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci that seem to have more to do with modern technology than that of the Renaissance. A few examples…

* the aerial screw – which presages the helicopter, or at least the concept of vertical flight

* the ornithopter – which demonstrates an understanding of aerodynamics fundamental to the development of aviation

* the robot – not in the modern sense, but a self-operating automaton that was capable of moving without human aid/intervention

* the machine gun – a 33-barrelled thing, nothing like the modern machine gun but notable for introducing the concept of a rapid-fire weapon

* the diving suit – strikingly similar to early prototypes of the modern diving suit

(Source: HistoryLists.com)