Trebuchet Plans
When most people visualize a catapult they may not realize it but they are actually envisioning a Trebuchet catapult! A trebuchet catapult is sometimes also known as a "counterweight trebuchet" or "counterpoise trebuchet" but both of these names refer to the same thing. Trebuchet catapults were originally used in the middle ages as “siege engines” (a device used to circumvent or break circumvent city walls) to invade or defend cities. You can now build your own with trebuchet plans!
Trebuchets were one of the most powerful weapons in a middle ages military, they were able to launch projectiles up to 140kg at the walls and soldiers of a defending city. The Trebuchet was also the most accurate of the other medieval catapults of the time and was used up until the 15th century (2 centuries after gunpowder appeared in Europe).
Trebuchet Catapults use a raised counterweight to fling its projectiles. In essence there are five basic parts to the Trebuchet: the beam, the frame, the counterweight, the sling and the guide chute. The frame holds everything together and also acts as a raised area to drop the counterweight from.
Once the trigger is pulled the counterweight falls (thanks gravity!) this in turn rotates the beam which slings the sling! The guide chute ensures the sling moves through the frame cleanly and also supports the projectile until the sling has reached max speed. The sling then releases the projectile in the direction the catapult is aimed!
These days catapults are used mainly by historical re-enactors and also for recreational purposes or as an engineering challenge. Trebuchet catapults are also surprisingly requested for some festivals, functions and other outdoor events (I guess some things just need a catapult to get the party started)!
