Du Zhan Qian Li Che (獨戰千里車)

A badly drawn illustration of Du Zhan Qian Li Che, from 'Wu Bian Qian Ji (《武編前集》)'.

Du Zhan Qian Li Che (獨戰千里車, lit. 'Wagon that can fight alone for a thousand li') is a six-wheeled gun wagon designed to combat Wokou and Mongol raiders alike. Unlike most other Ming war carts and wagons, it is not designed to form a wagon fort, but rather to operate alone or in small groups.

Du Zhan Qian Li Che features a rather odd wheel configuration. It has two pairs of wheels like s normal wagon, but also has one extra front wheel and one extra rear wheel, which allow it to traverse rough terrains such as narrow path and log bridge. Its fully enclosed body is made of wooden frame covered in protective leather screens measuring five chi tall by five chi wide, and is equipped numerous gun loops on all sides. The wagon can be further equipped with spikes and hooks mounted around its chassis, as well as two small cannons at its front and rear for additional firepower.

It should be noted that the source of locomotive power of this wagon is not explained. The name implies that this wagon is pushed by its passengers from the inside, although it should be possible to equip the wagon with yoke and shafts so that it can be pulled by draught animals.