Sling Weapons
Sling, Staff Sling, Catapult and Trebuchet
The Evolution of Sling Weapons from the Simple Sling
to the Trebuchet.
| Sling
Probably the earliest projectile throwing device used
by man, the simple sling acted as an extension of the thrower's arm resulting
in a mechanical advantage that increased projectile range and speed.
The sling consists of two cords and a flexible pouch. |
 |
| With a projectile placed in the folded pouch, the loose
ends of both cords are held in one hand.
When ready, the thrower draws back his arm and swings
the sling up and forward. Just before apex, the thrower releases
one cord, opening the pouch and sending the projectile on a ballistic path.
In trained hands, the sling was very accurate. Although
best known for its role in the story of David and Goliath, slings were
used by most, if not all, ancient armies. The Egyptian, Greek and Roman
armies used slings in combat. |
 |
Staff Sling
The staff sling was a logical advancement over the sling.
Using a single pole, or staff, in place of two cords, the staff sling allowed
for heavier projectiles and an increased rate of fire. |
| One end of the staff sling’s pouch is fixed to the staff,
while the other end is free. The free end has a hole, or loop, slipped
over a pin extending from the end of the staff, or notch cut into the staff.
The pin is bent, or the notch cut, so as to allow the free end of the pouch
to slip off at the proper angle releasing the projectile.
Invention of the staff sling was instrumental in the development
of ancient torsion catapults
and eventually, trebuchets.
|
Torsion Catapult
The torsion catapult , or onager as it is also known,
is the combination of a simple sling and a large staff sling, or arm,
powered by a bundle of twisted cord , or skein. |
 |
| The onager allowed the Romans to employ fairly large
projectiles at relatively long range. It fired not only solid projectiles,
but also a form of grapeshot made from smaller stones baked in a clay ball. |
 |
Trebuchet
Introduced in the twelfth century, the trebuchet was a
major advancement in warfare. Like the onager , the trebuchet employed
the advantages of both the simple sling and staff sling , but used the
energy of a falling weight to throw massive projectiles great distances. |
| The trebuchet was used primarily as a siege weapon for
attacking fortifications. Because of their enormous size, trebuchets were
built at the siege site, using local materials, if available. |
|
Catapult Plans
|
Trebuchet Plans
|
|
|
|
Save with Plan Multi-Packs
|
| | 2 Plans $19.95 FREE
Shipping | |
|
Select 2 Plans
|
|
|
