Catapult: Difference between revisions

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[[Philo of Byzantium]] provides probably the most detailed account on the establishment of a theory of belopoietics (''belos'' = "projectile"; ''poietike'' = "(art) of making") circa 200 BC. The central principle to this theory was that "all parts of a catapult, including the weight or length of the projectile, were proportional to the size of the torsion springs". This kind of innovation is indicative of the increasing rate at which geometry and physics were being assimilated into military enterprises.<ref name= Cuomo/>{{Page needed | date = December 2013}}

From the mid-4th century BC onwards, evidence of the Greek use of arrow-shooting machines becomes more dense and varied: arrow firing machines (''katapaltai'') are briefly mentioned by [[Aeneas Tacticus]] in his treatise on siegecraft written around 350 BC.<ref name= DunC8/> An extant inscription from the [[Athens|Athenian]] arsenal, dated between 338 and 326 BC, lists a number of stored catapults with shooting bolts of varying size and springs of sinews.<ref name= Marsden57>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 57}}.</ref> The later entry is particularly noteworthy as it constitutes the first clear evidence for the switch to [[torsion (mechanics)|torsion]] catapults, which are more powerful than the more-flexible crossbows and which came to dominate Greek and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] artillery design thereafter.<ref name= DunC8f>{{Harvnb |Campbell |2003 |pp= 8ff}}.</ref> This move to torsion springs was likely spurred by the engineers of Philip II of Macedonia.<ref name= Cuomo/>{{Page needed | date = December 2013}} Another Athenian inventory from 330 to 329 BC includes catapult bolts with heads and flights.<ref name = Marsden57/> As the use of catapults became more commonplace, so did the training required to operate them. Many Greek children were instructed in catapult usage, as evidenced by "a 3rd Century B.C. inscription from the island of Ceos in the Cyclades [regulating] catapult shooting competitions for the young".<ref name= Cuomo/> Arrow firing machines in action are reported from [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]]'s siege of [[Perinth]] ([[Thrace]]) in 340 BC.<ref name= Marsden60>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 60}}.</ref> At the same time, Greek fortifications began to feature high towers with shuttered windows in the top, which could have been used to house anti-personnel arrow shooters, as in [[Aigosthena]].<ref>{{Citation |first= Josiah |last= Ober |title= Early Artillery Towers: Messenia, Boiotia, Attica, Megarid |journal= American Journal of Archaeology |volume= 91 |number= 4 |year= 1987 |pages= 569–604 (569) |doi=10.2307/505291 |jstor= 505291 |s2cid= 191377778}}.</ref> Projectiles included both arrows and (later) stones that were sometimes lit on fire.{{clarify|stones lit on fire?|date=October 2022}} [[Onomarchus]] of Phocis first used catapults on the battlefield against [[Philip II of Macedon]].{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | pp = 50, 446}} Philip's son, [[Alexander the Great]], was the next commander in recorded history to make such use of catapults on the battlefield{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | p = 50}} as well as to use them during sieges.<ref>{{Citation | last1 = Skelton | first1 = Debra | first2 = Pamela | last2 = Dell | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | title = Empire of Alexander the Great | place = New York | publisher = Facts on File | year = 2003 | isbn = 978-0-8160-5564-7 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 21, 26, 29 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref>

From the mid-4th century BC onwards, evidence of the Greek use of arrow-shooting machines becomes more dense and varied: arrow firing machines (''katapaltai'') are briefly mentioned by [[Aeneas Tacticus]] in his treatise on siegecraft written around 350 BC.<ref name= DunC8/> An extant inscription from the [[Athens|Athenian]] arsenal, dated between 338 and 326 BC, lists a number of stored catapults with shooting bolts of varying size and springs of sinews.<ref name= Marsden57>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 57}}.</ref> The later entry is particularly noteworthy as it constitutes the first clear evidence for the switch to [[torsion (mechanics)|torsion]] catapults, which are more powerful than the more-flexible crossbows and which came to dominate Greek and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] artillery design thereafter.<ref name= DunC8f>{{Harvnb |Campbell |2003 |pp= 8ff}}.</ref> This move to torsion springs was likely spurred by the engineers of Philip II of Macedonia.<ref name= Cuomo/>{{Page needed | date = December 2013}} Another Athenian inventory from 330 to 329 BC includes catapult bolts with heads and flights.<ref name = Marsden57/> As the use of catapults became more commonplace, so did the training required to operate them. Many Greek children were instructed in catapult usage, as evidenced by "a 3rd Century B.C. inscription from the island of Ceos in the Cyclades [regulating] catapult shooting competitions for the young".<ref name= Cuomo/> Arrow firing machines in action are reported from [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]]'s siege of [[Perinth]] ([[Thrace]]) in 340 BC.<ref name= Marsden60>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 60}}.</ref> At the same time, Greek fortifications began to feature high towers with shuttered windows in the top, which could have been used to house anti-personnel arrow shooters, as in [[Aigosthena]].<ref>{{Citation |first= Josiah |last= Ober |title= Early Artillery Towers: Messenia, Boiotia, Attica, Megarid |journal= American Journal of Archaeology |volume= 91 |number= 4 |year= 1987 |pages= 569–604 (569) |doi=10.2307/505291 |jstor= 505291 |s2cid= 191377778}}.</ref> Projectiles included both arrows and (later) stones that were sometimes lit on fire.{{clarify|stones lit on fire?|date=October 2022}} [[Onomarchus]] of Phocis first used catapults on the battlefield against [[Philip II of Macedon]].{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | pp = 50, 446}} Philip's son, [[Alexander the Great]], was the next commander in recorded history to make such use of catapults on the battlefield{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | p = 50}}, such as at the [[Battle of Jaxartes]], as well as to use them during sieges.<ref>{{Citation | last1 = Skelton | first1 = Debra | first2 = Pamela | last2 = Dell | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | title = Empire of Alexander the Great | place = New York | publisher = Facts on File | year = 2003 | isbn = 978-0-8160-5564-7 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 21, 26, 29 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref>

The Romans started to use catapults as arms for their wars against [[Syracuse, Italy|Syracuse]], Macedon, Sparta and Aetolia (3rd and 2nd centuries BC). The Roman machine known as an [[arcuballista]] was similar to a large crossbow.<ref>{{Citation | contribution = Arcuballista | place = [[France|FR]] | url = http://dagr.univ-tlse2.fr/sdx/dagr/feuilleter.xsp?tome=1&partie=1&numPage=400&filtre=arbal%C3%A8te%20&nomEntree=ARCUBALLISTA | language = fr | title = Dictionnaire des antiquités grecques et romaines | trans-title = Dictionary of Greek and Roman antiquities | publisher = Univ TLSE II | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081005121645/http://dagr.univ-tlse2.fr/sdx/dagr/feuilleter.xsp?tome=1&partie=1&numPage=400&filtre=arbal%C3%A8te%20&nomEntree=ARCUBALLISTA | archive-date = 2008-10-05 }}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Bachrach | first = Bernard S | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Is2WQyLMKV4C&pg=PA112 | title = Early Carolingian Warfare: Prelude to Empire | place = Philadelphia | publisher = University of Pennsylvania Press | year = 2001 | isbn = 978-0-8122-3533-3 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 110–12 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=Is2WQyLMKV4C&pg=PA112 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Payne-Gallwey | first = Ralph | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=xCDK0twV82MC&pg=PA43 | title = The Crossbow: Its Military and Sporting History, Construction and Use | place = New York | publisher = Skyhorse | year = 2007 | isbn = 978-1-60239-010-2 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 43–44 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=xCDK0twV82MC&pg=PA43 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref> Later the Romans used [[ballista]] catapults on their warships.

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[[File:Front of medieval catapult 2 in Mercato San Severino, Italy.JPG|thumb|Petraria Arcatinus catapult in Mercato San Severino, Italy]]

[[File:Catapult 1 Mercato San Severino.jpg|thumb|Catapult 1 Mercato San Severino]]

[[Castle]]s and fortified [[walled cities]] were common during this period and catapults were used as [[siege weapon]]s against them. As well as their use in attempts to breach walls, [[Early thermal weapons|incendiary missiles]], or diseased carcasses or garbage could be catapulted over the walls.

[[Castle]]s and fortified [[walled cities]] were common during this period and catapults were used as [[siege weapon]]s against them.{{cn|date=May 2026}} As well as their use in attempts to breach walls, [[Early thermal weapons|incendiary missiles]], or diseased carcasses or garbage could be catapulted over the walls.{{cn|date=May 2026}}

Defensive techniques in the Middle Ages progressed to a point that rendered catapults largely ineffective. The [[Siege of Paris (885–886)|Viking siege of Paris]] (AD 885–6) "saw the employment by both sides of virtually every instrument of siege craft known to the classical world, including a variety of catapults", to little effect, resulting in failure.<ref name= BCH>{{Citation | last = Hacker | first = Barton C | jstor = 3102042 | title = Greek Catapults and Catapult Technology: Science, Technology, and War in Ancient World| journal = Technology and Culture | year = 1968 | volume = 9 | issue = 1 | pages = 34–50 | doi = 10.2307/3102042 | s2cid = 112617914 }}.</ref>

Defensive techniques in the Middle Ages progressed to a point that rendered catapults largely ineffective. The [[Siege of Paris (885–886)|Viking siege of Paris]] (AD 885–6) saw the employment by both sides of virtually every instrument of siege craft known to the classical world, including a variety of catapults, to little effect, resulting in failure.<ref name= BCH>{{Citation | last = Hacker | first = Barton C | jstor = 3102042 | title = Greek Catapults and Catapult Technology: Science, Technology, and War in Ancient World| journal = Technology and Culture | year = 1968 | volume = 9 | issue = 1 | pages = 34–50 | doi = 10.2307/3102042 | s2cid = 112617914 }}.</ref>

The most widely used catapults throughout the Middle Ages were as follows:<ref name= MAge>{{Citation |title= Catapults |website= middle-ages.org.uk |url=http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/catapults.htm |url-status= live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100924235615/http://middle-ages.org.uk/catapults.htm |archive-date= 2010-09-24}}. {{access denied|date= June 2024}}</ref>

; [[Ballista]]: Ballistae were similar to giant crossbows and were designed to work through torsion. The projectiles were large arrows or darts made from wood with an iron tip. These arrows were then shot "along a flat trajectory" at a target. Ballistae were accurate, but lacked firepower compared with that of a mangonel or trebuchet. Because of their immobility, most ballistae were constructed on site following a siege assessment by the commanding military officer.<ref name= MAge/>

; [[Ballista]]: Ballistae were similar to giant crossbows and were designed to work through torsion. The projectiles were large arrows or darts made from wood with an iron tip. These arrows were then shot along a flat trajectory at a target. Ballistae were accurate, but lacked firepower compared with that of a mangonel or trebuchet. Because of their immobility, most ballistae were constructed on site following a siege assessment by the commanding military officer.<ref name= MAge/>

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; [[Springald]]: The springald's design resembles that of the ballista, being a crossbow powered by tension. The springald's frame was more compact, allowing for use inside tighter confines, such as the inside of a castle or tower, but compromising its power.<ref name= MAge/>

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; [[Mangonel]]: This machine was designed to throw heavy projectiles from a "bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm". Mangonels were mostly used for ~~“firing~~ various missiles at fortresses, castles, and cities,” with a range of up to {{~~convert~~|1,300|ft|~~abbr~~=on}}. These missiles included anything from stones to excrement to rotting carcasses. Mangonels were relatively simple to construct, and eventually wheels were added to increase mobility.<ref name= MAge/>

; [[Mangonel]]: This machine was designed to throw heavy projectiles from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm. Mangonels were mostly used for firing various missiles at fortresses, castles, and cities, with a range of up to {{cvt|1,300|ft|order=flip}}. These missiles included anything from stones to excrement to rotting carcasses. Mangonels were relatively simple to construct, and eventually wheels were added to increase mobility.<ref name= MAge/>

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; [[Onager (siege weapon)|Onager]]: Mangonels are also sometimes referred to as Onagers. Onager catapults initially launched projectiles from a sling, which was later changed to a "bowl-shaped bucket". The word ''Onager'' is derived from the Greek word ''onagros'' for "wild ass", referring to the "kicking motion and force"<ref name= MAge/> that were recreated in the Mangonel's design. Historical records regarding onagers are scarce. The most detailed account of Mangonel use is from "Eric Marsden's translation of a text written by Ammianus Marcellius in the 4th Century AD" describing its construction and combat usage.<ref name= info>{{Citation|url=http://www.catapults.info/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601094938/http://www.catapults.info/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-06-01 |title=Catapults info }}.</ref>

; [[Onager (siege weapon)|Onager]]: Mangonels are also sometimes referred to as Onagers. Onager catapults initially launched projectiles from a sling, which was later changed to a bowl-shaped bucket. The word ''Onager'' is derived from the Greek word ''onagros'' for "wild ass", referring to the "kicking motion and force"<ref name= MAge/> that were recreated in the Mangonel's design. Historical records regarding onagers are scarce. The most detailed account of Mangonel use is from Eric Marsden's translation of a text written by [[Ammianus Marcellinus|Ammianus Marcellius]] in the 4th Century AD describing its construction and combat usage.<ref name= info>{{Citation|url=http://www.catapults.info/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601094938/http://www.catapults.info/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-06-01 |title=Catapults info }}.</ref>

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; [[Trebuchet]]: [[File:MongolsBesiegingACityInTheMiddleEast13thCentury.jpg|thumb|left|Ghaznavid warriors using trebuchet to besiege a city]] Trebuchets were probably the most powerful catapult employed in the Middle Ages. The most commonly used ammunition ~~were~~ stones, but "darts and sharp wooden poles" could be substituted if necessary. The most effective ~~kind~~ of ammunition though involved ~~fire~~, such as "firebrands, and deadly [[Greek Fire]]". Trebuchets came in two different designs: Traction, which were powered by people, or Counterpoise, where the people were replaced with "a ~~weight~~ on the short end".<ref name= MAge/> The most famous historical account of trebuchet use dates back to the siege of [[Stirling Castle]] in 1304, when the army of Edward I constructed a giant trebuchet known as [[Warwolf]], which then proceeded to "level a section of [castle] wall, successfully concluding the siege".<ref name= info/>

; [[Trebuchet]]: [[File:MongolsBesiegingACityInTheMiddleEast13thCentury.jpg|thumb|left|Ghaznavid warriors using trebuchet to besiege a city]] Trebuchets were probably the most powerful catapult employed in the Middle Ages. The most commonly used ammunition was stones, but darts and sharp wooden poles could be substituted if necessary. The most effective kinds of ammunition though involved combustion, such as firebrands, and deadly [[Greek Fire]]. Trebuchets came in two different designs: Traction, which were powered by people, or Counterpoise, where the people were replaced with a counterweight on the short end.<ref name= MAge/> The most famous historical account of trebuchet use dates back to the siege of [[Stirling Castle]] in 1304, when the army of Edward I constructed a giant trebuchet known as [[Warwolf]], which then proceeded to "level a section of [castle] wall, successfully concluding the siege".<ref name= info/>

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; [[Trebuchet|Couillard]]: A simplified trebuchet, where the trebuchet's single counterweight is split, swinging on either side of a central support post.

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=== Military ===

[[File:French grenade catapult.jpg~~|left~~|thumb~~|200px~~|French troops using a catapult to throw [[hand grenade]]s and other explosives during [[World War I]]]]

[[File:Fairey Campania on HMS Slinger's catapult.jpg|thumb|left|Fairey Campania floatplane on board {{HMS|Slinger|1917|6}}'s catapult, in 1917]]

[[File:French grenade catapult.jpg|thumb|French troops using a catapult to throw [[hand grenade]]s and other explosives during [[World War I]]]]

[[Aircraft catapult]]s are used to launch aircraft from ships or land bases when the takeoff area is too short, or to get aircraft at significantly higher takeoff weights than normal airborne.<ref>{{cite book |title=A Dictionary of Aviation |first=David W. |last=Wragg |isbn=9780850451634 |edition=first |publisher=Osprey |year=1973 |page=87}}</ref> The British initiated experiments in 1917 that continued until 1919, with {{HMS|Slinger|1917|6}} using [[Fairey Campania]] and [[Short 310]] single engine [[floatplane]]s. These were preceded by unassisted launches from wooden platforms, but as aircraft weights and speeds increased, they became less and less useful. By the 1930s, aircraft catapults were common on major warships operated by most of the major naval powers, including [[battleship]]s and [[cruiser]]s in addition to [[aircraft carrier]]s. Trial installations were also made on some destroyers. By the 1930s, some merchant vessels with both France and Germany were also using catapults to launch civil aircraft, either to speed up mail deliveries or news, or to shorten the length of the flight when aircraft ranges were inadequate, although military applications were in mind when these were being developed. Land installations were also in use, and the requirements for the [[Avro Manchester]] [[Second World War]] [[heavy bomber]] including being able to launch them with a catapult. During the Second World War, due to shortage of conventional aircraft carriers the British temporarily installed catapults on Merchant vessels (making them [[CAM ship]]s) to launch a [[Hawker Hurricane]] fighter escort against marauding German [[Focke Wulf Condor]] maritime reconnaissance aircraft that were reporting convoy movements, and attacking ships. The Hurricanes could not be recovered and so either had to head for land, or ditch in the open ocean after being launched. With the development of the helicopter, most catapults aside from those used on aircraft carriers were made redundant.

The last large scale ~~military~~ use of catapults was during the [[trench warfare]] of [[World War I]]. During the early stages of the war, catapults were used to throw [[hand grenade]]s across [[no man's land]] into enemy trenches. They were eventually replaced by small [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]].

The last large scale army use of catapults was during the [[trench warfare]] of [[World War I]]. During the early stages of the war, catapults were used to throw [[hand grenade]]s across [[no man's land]] into enemy trenches. They were eventually replaced by small [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]].

The SPBG (Silent Projector of Bottles and Grenades) was a Soviet proposal for an anti-tank weapon that launched grenades from a spring-loaded shuttle up to {{~~convert~~|100|m~~|abbr=on~~}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tankarchives.ca/2016/08/russian-piat.html | title=Russian PIAT }}</ref>

The SPBG (Silent Projector of Bottles and Grenades) was a Soviet proposal for an anti-tank weapon that launched grenades from a spring-loaded shuttle up to {{cvt|100|m}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tankarchives.ca/2016/08/russian-piat.html | title=Russian PIAT }}</ref>

Special variants called [[aircraft catapult]]s are used to launch planes from land bases and sea carriers when the takeoff runway is too short for a powered takeoff or simply impractical to extend.<ref>{{cite book |title=A Dictionary of Aviation |first=David W. |last=Wragg |isbn=9780850451634 |edition=first |publisher=Osprey |year=1973 |page=87}}</ref> Ships also use them to launch torpedoes and deploy bombs against submarines.{{dubious|date=June 2016}}

In 2024, during the [[Gaza war]], a trebuchet created by private initiative of an [[Israel Defence Forces |IDF]] reserve unit was used to throw firebrands over the border into Lebanon, in order to set the undergrowth which offered possible camouflage to [[Hezbollah]] fighters on fire.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/14/middleeast/israel-catapult-trebuchet-lebanon-intl/index.html Israeli troops catapult fireball into Lebanon using weapon rarely used since 16th century], Benjamin Brown, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Paul Murphy and Christian Edwards for [[CNN]], posted & accessed June 14, 2024.</ref>

In 2024, during the [[Gaza war]], a trebuchet created by private initiative of an [[Israel Defence Forces |IDF]] reserve unit was used to throw firebrands over the border into Lebanon, in order to set ~~on fire~~ the undergrowth which offered camouflage to [[Hezbollah]] fighters.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/14/middleeast/israel-catapult-trebuchet-lebanon-intl/index.html Israeli troops catapult fireball into Lebanon using weapon rarely used since 16th century], Benjamin Brown, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Paul Murphy and Christian Edwards for [[CNN]], posted & accessed June 14, 2024.</ref>

===Toys, sports, entertainment===

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Small catapults, referred to as "traps", are still widely used to launch [[clay target]]s into the air in the sport of [[clay pigeon shooting]].

In the 1990s and early 2000s, a powerful catapult, a trebuchet, was used by thrill-seekers first on private property and in 2001–2002 at Middlemoor Water Park, Somerset, England, to experience being catapulted through the air for {{convert|100|ft|m|sp=us}}. The practice has been discontinued due to a fatality at the Water Park. There had been an injury when the trebuchet was in use on private property. Injury and death occurred when those two participants failed to land ~~onto~~ the safety net.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |title=Scandal: Extreme Oxford Sports |last=Martin |first=Brett |date=August 5, 2013 |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=November 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531102033/http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |archive-date=May 31, 2017 }}</ref> The operators of the trebuchet were tried, but found not guilty of manslaughter, though the jury noted that the fatality might have been avoided had the operators "imposed stricter safety measures."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |title=Inquest told of student catapult death |newspaper=The Guardian |date=October 31, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114133709/http://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |archive-date=January 14, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=~~http~~://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |title=BBC NEWS UK England Oxfordshire - Safety doubts over catapult death |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211151741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |archive-date=December 11, 2014 }}</ref> [[Human cannonball]] [[circus]] acts use a catapult launch mechanism, rather than gunpowder, and are risky ventures for the human cannonballs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|title=The Straight Dope: How do "human cannonballs" survive?|last=Adams|first=Cecil|date=1991-06-21|website=Straight Dope|publisher=Chicago Reader|access-date=November 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106071839/http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|archive-date=January 6, 2009}}</ref>

In the 1990s and early 2000s, a powerful catapult, a trebuchet, was used by thrill-seekers first on private property and in 2001–2002 at Middlemoor Water Park, Somerset, England, to experience being catapulted through the air for {{convert|100|ft|m|sp=us}}. The practice has been discontinued due to a fatality at the Water Park. There had been an injury when the trebuchet was in use on private property. Injury and death occurred when those two participants failed to land on the safety net.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |title=Scandal: Extreme Oxford Sports |last=Martin |first=Brett |date=August 5, 2013 |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=November 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531102033/http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |archive-date=May 31, 2017 }}</ref> The operators of the trebuchet were tried, but found not guilty of manslaughter, though the jury noted that the fatality might have been avoided had the operators "imposed stricter safety measures."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |title=Inquest told of student catapult death |newspaper=The Guardian |date=October 31, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114133709/http://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |archive-date=January 14, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |title=BBC NEWS UK England Oxfordshire - Safety doubts over catapult death |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211151741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |archive-date=December 11, 2014 }}</ref> [[Human cannonball]] [[circus]] acts use a catapult launch mechanism, rather than gunpowder, and are risky ventures for the human cannonballs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|title=The Straight Dope: How do "human cannonballs" survive?|last=Adams|first=Cecil|date=1991-06-21|website=Straight Dope|publisher=Chicago Reader|access-date=November 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106071839/http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|archive-date=January 6, 2009}}</ref>

Early [[launched roller coaster]]s used a catapult system powered by a diesel engine or a dropped weight to acquire their momentum,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OzZHAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA49|title=Coasters 101: An Engineer's Guide to Roller Coaster Design|last=Weisenberger|first=Nick|year=2013|isbn=9781468013559|pages=49–50|publisher=Nick Weisenberger |oclc=927712635|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=OzZHAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA49|archive-date=2017-12-23}}</ref> such as [[Shuttle Loop]] installations between 1977 and 1978. The catapult system for roller coasters has been replaced by [[flywheel]]s and later [[linear motor]]s.

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===Smuggling===

In January 2011, a homemade catapult was discovered that was used to [[Smuggling|smuggle]] [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] into the United States from Mexico. The machine was found {{~~convert~~|20|ft|~~abbr=on~~}} from the border fence with {{convert|4.4|lb}} bales of cannabis ready to launch.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | newspaper = Pop Sci | date = Jan 2011 | title = Mexican authorities seize homemade marijuana hurling catapult at border | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110130043830/http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | archive-date = 2011-01-30 }}.</ref>

In January 2011, a homemade catapult was discovered that was used to [[Smuggling|smuggle]] [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] into the United States from Mexico. The machine was found {{cvt|20|ft|0}} from the border fence with {{convert|4.4|lb}} bales of cannabis ready to launch.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | newspaper = Pop Sci | date = Jan 2011 | title = Mexican authorities seize homemade marijuana hurling catapult at border | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110130043830/http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | archive-date = 2011-01-30 }}.</ref>

== See also ==

@@ Line 63: / Line 63: @@
 [[Philo of Byzantium]] provides probably the most detailed account on the establishment of a theory of belopoietics (''belos'' = "projectile"; ''poietike'' = "(art) of making") circa 200&nbsp;BC. The central principle to this theory was that "all parts of a catapult, including the weight or length of the projectile, were proportional to the size of the torsion springs". This kind of innovation is indicative of the increasing rate at which geometry and physics were being assimilated into military enterprises.<ref name= Cuomo/>{{Page needed | date = December 2013}}
-From the mid-4th century BC onwards, evidence of the Greek use of arrow-shooting machines becomes more dense and varied: arrow firing machines (''katapaltai'') are briefly mentioned by [[Aeneas Tacticus]] in his treatise on siegecraft written around 350&nbsp;BC.<ref name= DunC8/> An extant inscription from the [[Athens|Athenian]] arsenal, dated between 338 and 326&nbsp;BC, lists a number of stored catapults with shooting bolts of varying size and springs of sinews.<ref name= Marsden57>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 57}}.</ref>  The later entry is particularly noteworthy as it constitutes the first clear evidence for the switch to [[torsion (mechanics)|torsion]] catapults, which are more powerful than the more-flexible crossbows and which came to dominate Greek and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] artillery design thereafter.<ref name= DunC8f>{{Harvnb |Campbell |2003 |pp= 8ff}}.</ref> This move to torsion springs was likely spurred by the engineers of Philip II of Macedonia.<ref name= Cuomo/>{{Page needed | date = December 2013}} Another Athenian inventory from 330 to 329&nbsp;BC includes catapult bolts with heads and flights.<ref name = Marsden57/> As the use of catapults became more commonplace, so did the training required to operate them. Many Greek children were instructed in catapult usage, as evidenced by "a 3rd Century B.C. inscription from the island of Ceos in the Cyclades [regulating] catapult shooting competitions for the young".<ref name= Cuomo/> Arrow firing machines in action are reported from [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]]'s siege of [[Perinth]] ([[Thrace]]) in 340&nbsp;BC.<ref name= Marsden60>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 60}}.</ref>  At the same time, Greek fortifications began to feature high towers with shuttered windows in the top, which could have been used to house anti-personnel arrow shooters, as in [[Aigosthena]].<ref>{{Citation |first= Josiah |last= Ober |title= Early Artillery Towers: Messenia, Boiotia, Attica, Megarid |journal= American Journal of Archaeology |volume= 91 |number= 4 |year= 1987 |pages= 569–604 (569) |doi=10.2307/505291 |jstor= 505291 |s2cid= 191377778}}.</ref> Projectiles included both arrows and (later) stones that were sometimes lit on fire.{{clarify|stones lit on fire?|date=October 2022}} [[Onomarchus]] of Phocis first used catapults on the battlefield against [[Philip II of Macedon]].{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | pp = 50, 446}}  Philip's son, [[Alexander the Great]], was the next commander in recorded history to make such use of catapults on the battlefield{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | p = 50}} as well as to use them during sieges.<ref>{{Citation | last1 = Skelton | first1 = Debra | first2 = Pamela | last2 = Dell | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | title = Empire of Alexander the Great | place = New York | publisher = Facts on File | year = 2003 | isbn = 978-0-8160-5564-7 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 21, 26, 29 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref>
+From the mid-4th century BC onwards, evidence of the Greek use of arrow-shooting machines becomes more dense and varied: arrow firing machines (''katapaltai'') are briefly mentioned by [[Aeneas Tacticus]] in his treatise on siegecraft written around 350&nbsp;BC.<ref name= DunC8/> An extant inscription from the [[Athens|Athenian]] arsenal, dated between 338 and 326&nbsp;BC, lists a number of stored catapults with shooting bolts of varying size and springs of sinews.<ref name= Marsden57>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 57}}.</ref>  The later entry is particularly noteworthy as it constitutes the first clear evidence for the switch to [[torsion (mechanics)|torsion]] catapults, which are more powerful than the more-flexible crossbows and which came to dominate Greek and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] artillery design thereafter.<ref name= DunC8f>{{Harvnb |Campbell |2003 |pp= 8ff}}.</ref> This move to torsion springs was likely spurred by the engineers of Philip II of Macedonia.<ref name= Cuomo/>{{Page needed | date = December 2013}} Another Athenian inventory from 330 to 329&nbsp;BC includes catapult bolts with heads and flights.<ref name = Marsden57/> As the use of catapults became more commonplace, so did the training required to operate them. Many Greek children were instructed in catapult usage, as evidenced by "a 3rd Century B.C. inscription from the island of Ceos in the Cyclades [regulating] catapult shooting competitions for the young".<ref name= Cuomo/> Arrow firing machines in action are reported from [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]]'s siege of [[Perinth]] ([[Thrace]]) in 340&nbsp;BC.<ref name= Marsden60>{{Harvnb | Marsden | 1969 | p = 60}}.</ref>  At the same time, Greek fortifications began to feature high towers with shuttered windows in the top, which could have been used to house anti-personnel arrow shooters, as in [[Aigosthena]].<ref>{{Citation |first= Josiah |last= Ober |title= Early Artillery Towers: Messenia, Boiotia, Attica, Megarid |journal= American Journal of Archaeology |volume= 91 |number= 4 |year= 1987 |pages= 569–604 (569) |doi=10.2307/505291 |jstor= 505291 |s2cid= 191377778}}.</ref> Projectiles included both arrows and (later) stones that were sometimes lit on fire.{{clarify|stones lit on fire?|date=October 2022}} [[Onomarchus]] of Phocis first used catapults on the battlefield against [[Philip II of Macedon]].{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | pp = 50, 446}}  Philip's son, [[Alexander the Great]], was the next commander in recorded history to make such use of catapults on the battlefield{{Sfn | Ashley | 1998 | p = 50}}, such as at the [[Battle of Jaxartes]], as well as to use them during sieges.<ref>{{Citation | last1 = Skelton | first1 = Debra | first2 = Pamela | last2 = Dell | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | title = Empire of Alexander the Great | place = New York | publisher = Facts on File | year = 2003 | isbn = 978-0-8160-5564-7 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 21, 26, 29 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=O8TDQG6jiG4C&pg=PA21 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref>
 The Romans started to use catapults as arms for their wars against [[Syracuse, Italy|Syracuse]], Macedon, Sparta and Aetolia (3rd and 2nd centuries BC). The Roman machine known as an [[arcuballista]] was similar to a large crossbow.<ref>{{Citation | contribution = Arcuballista | place = [[France|FR]] | url = http://dagr.univ-tlse2.fr/sdx/dagr/feuilleter.xsp?tome=1&partie=1&numPage=400&filtre=arbal%C3%A8te%20&nomEntree=ARCUBALLISTA | language = fr | title = Dictionnaire des antiquités grecques et romaines | trans-title = Dictionary of Greek and Roman antiquities | publisher = Univ TLSE II | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081005121645/http://dagr.univ-tlse2.fr/sdx/dagr/feuilleter.xsp?tome=1&partie=1&numPage=400&filtre=arbal%C3%A8te%20&nomEntree=ARCUBALLISTA | archive-date = 2008-10-05 }}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Bachrach | first = Bernard S | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Is2WQyLMKV4C&pg=PA112 | title = Early Carolingian Warfare: Prelude to Empire | place = Philadelphia | publisher = University of Pennsylvania Press | year = 2001 | isbn = 978-0-8122-3533-3 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 110–12 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=Is2WQyLMKV4C&pg=PA112 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Payne-Gallwey | first = Ralph | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=xCDK0twV82MC&pg=PA43 | title = The Crossbow: Its Military and Sporting History, Construction and Use | place = New York | publisher = Skyhorse | year = 2007 | isbn = 978-1-60239-010-2 | access-date = January 31, 2013 | pages = 43–44 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=xCDK0twV82MC&pg=PA43 | archive-date = December 23, 2017 }}.</ref> Later the Romans used [[ballista]] catapults on their warships.
@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 [[File:Front of medieval catapult 2 in Mercato San Severino, Italy.JPG|thumb|Petraria Arcatinus catapult in Mercato San Severino, Italy]]
 [[File:Catapult 1 Mercato San Severino.jpg|thumb|Catapult 1 Mercato San Severino]]
-[[Castle]]s and fortified [[walled cities]] were common during this period and catapults were used as [[siege weapon]]s against them. As well as their use in attempts to breach walls, [[Early thermal weapons|incendiary missiles]], or diseased carcasses or garbage could be catapulted over the walls.
+[[Castle]]s and fortified [[walled cities]] were common during this period and catapults were used as [[siege weapon]]s against them.{{cn|date=May 2026}} As well as their use in attempts to breach walls, [[Early thermal weapons|incendiary missiles]], or diseased carcasses or garbage could be catapulted over the walls.{{cn|date=May 2026}}
-Defensive techniques in the Middle Ages progressed to a point that rendered catapults largely ineffective. The [[Siege of Paris (885–886)|Viking siege of Paris]] (AD 885–6) "saw the employment by both sides of virtually every instrument of siege craft known to the classical world, including a variety of catapults", to little effect, resulting in failure.<ref name= BCH>{{Citation | last = Hacker | first = Barton C | jstor = 3102042 | title = Greek Catapults and Catapult Technology: Science, Technology, and War in Ancient World| journal = Technology and Culture | year = 1968 | volume = 9 | issue = 1 | pages = 34–50 | doi = 10.2307/3102042 | s2cid = 112617914 }}.</ref>
+Defensive techniques in the Middle Ages progressed to a point that rendered catapults largely ineffective. The [[Siege of Paris (885–886)|Viking siege of Paris]] (AD 885–6) saw the employment by both sides of virtually every instrument of siege craft known to the classical world, including a variety of catapults, to little effect, resulting in failure.<ref name= BCH>{{Citation | last = Hacker | first = Barton C | jstor = 3102042 | title = Greek Catapults and Catapult Technology: Science, Technology, and War in Ancient World| journal = Technology and Culture | year = 1968 | volume = 9 | issue = 1 | pages = 34–50 | doi = 10.2307/3102042 | s2cid = 112617914 }}.</ref>
 The most widely used catapults throughout the Middle Ages were as follows:<ref name= MAge>{{Citation  |title= Catapults |website= middle-ages.org.uk |url=http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/catapults.htm |url-status= live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100924235615/http://middle-ages.org.uk/catapults.htm |archive-date= 2010-09-24}}. {{access denied|date= June 2024}}</ref>
-; [[Ballista]]: Ballistae were similar to giant crossbows and were designed to work through torsion. The projectiles were large arrows or darts made from wood with an iron tip. These arrows were then shot "along a flat trajectory" at a target. Ballistae were accurate, but lacked firepower compared with that of a mangonel or trebuchet. Because of their immobility, most ballistae were constructed on site following a siege assessment by the commanding military officer.<ref name= MAge/>
+; [[Ballista]]: Ballistae were similar to giant crossbows and were designed to work through torsion. The projectiles were large arrows or darts made from wood with an iron tip. These arrows were then shot along a flat trajectory at a target. Ballistae were accurate, but lacked firepower compared with that of a mangonel or trebuchet. Because of their immobility, most ballistae were constructed on site following a siege assessment by the commanding military officer.<ref name= MAge/>
 :
 ; [[Springald]]: The springald's design resembles that of the ballista, being a crossbow powered by tension. The springald's frame was more compact, allowing for use inside tighter confines, such as the inside of a castle or tower, but compromising its power.<ref name= MAge/>
 :
-; [[Mangonel]]: This machine was designed to throw heavy projectiles from a "bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm". Mangonels were mostly used for “firing various missiles at fortresses, castles, and cities,” with a range of up to {{convert|1,300|ft|abbr=on}}. These missiles included anything from stones to excrement to rotting carcasses. Mangonels were relatively simple to construct, and eventually wheels were added to increase mobility.<ref name= MAge/>
+; [[Mangonel]]: This machine was designed to throw heavy projectiles from a bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm. Mangonels were mostly used for firing various missiles at fortresses, castles, and cities, with a range of up to {{cvt|1,300|ft|order=flip}}. These missiles included anything from stones to excrement to rotting carcasses. Mangonels were relatively simple to construct, and eventually wheels were added to increase mobility.<ref name= MAge/>
 :
-; [[Onager (siege weapon)|Onager]]: Mangonels are also sometimes referred to as Onagers. Onager catapults initially launched projectiles from a sling, which was later changed to a "bowl-shaped bucket". The word ''Onager'' is derived from the Greek word ''onagros'' for "wild ass", referring to the "kicking motion and force"<ref name= MAge/> that were recreated in the Mangonel's design. Historical records regarding onagers are scarce. The most detailed account of Mangonel use is from "Eric Marsden's translation of a text written by Ammianus Marcellius in the 4th Century AD" describing its construction and combat usage.<ref name= info>{{Citation|url=http://www.catapults.info/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601094938/http://www.catapults.info/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-06-01 |title=Catapults info }}.</ref>
+; [[Onager (siege weapon)|Onager]]: Mangonels are also sometimes referred to as Onagers. Onager catapults initially launched projectiles from a sling, which was later changed to a bowl-shaped bucket. The word ''Onager'' is derived from the Greek word ''onagros'' for "wild ass", referring to the "kicking motion and force"<ref name= MAge/> that were recreated in the Mangonel's design. Historical records regarding onagers are scarce. The most detailed account of Mangonel use is from Eric Marsden's translation of a text written by [[Ammianus Marcellinus|Ammianus Marcellius]] in the 4th Century AD describing its construction and combat usage.<ref name= info>{{Citation|url=http://www.catapults.info/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020601094938/http://www.catapults.info/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-06-01 |title=Catapults info }}.</ref>
 :
-; [[Trebuchet]]: [[File:MongolsBesiegingACityInTheMiddleEast13thCentury.jpg|thumb|left|Ghaznavid warriors using trebuchet to besiege a city]] Trebuchets were probably the most powerful catapult employed in the Middle Ages. The most commonly used ammunition were stones, but "darts and sharp wooden poles" could be substituted if necessary. The most effective kind of ammunition though involved fire, such as "firebrands, and deadly [[Greek Fire]]". Trebuchets came in two different designs: Traction, which were powered by people, or Counterpoise, where the people were replaced with "a weight on the short end".<ref name= MAge/>  The most famous historical account of trebuchet use dates back to the siege of [[Stirling Castle]] in 1304, when the army of Edward I constructed a giant trebuchet known as [[Warwolf]], which then proceeded to "level a section of [castle] wall, successfully concluding the siege".<ref name= info/>
+; [[Trebuchet]]: [[File:MongolsBesiegingACityInTheMiddleEast13thCentury.jpg|thumb|left|Ghaznavid warriors using trebuchet to besiege a city]] Trebuchets were probably the most powerful catapult employed in the Middle Ages. The most commonly used ammunition was stones, but darts and sharp wooden poles could be substituted if necessary. The most effective kinds of ammunition though involved combustion, such as firebrands, and deadly [[Greek Fire]]. Trebuchets came in two different designs: Traction, which were powered by people, or Counterpoise, where the people were replaced with a counterweight on the short end.<ref name= MAge/>  The most famous historical account of trebuchet use dates back to the siege of [[Stirling Castle]] in 1304, when the army of Edward I constructed a giant trebuchet known as [[Warwolf]], which then proceeded to "level a section of [castle] wall, successfully concluding the siege".<ref name= info/>
 :
 ; [[Trebuchet|Couillard]]: A simplified trebuchet, where the trebuchet's single counterweight is split, swinging on either side of a central support post.
@@ Line 101: / Line 101: @@
 === Military ===
-[[File:French grenade catapult.jpg|left|thumb|200px|French troops using a catapult to throw [[hand grenade]]s and other explosives during [[World War I]]]]
+[[File:Fairey Campania on HMS Slinger's catapult.jpg|thumb|left|Fairey Campania floatplane on board {{HMS|Slinger|1917|6}}'s catapult, in 1917]]
+[[File:French grenade catapult.jpg|thumb|French troops using a catapult to throw [[hand grenade]]s and other explosives during [[World War I]]]]
+[[Aircraft catapult]]s are used to launch aircraft from ships or land bases when the takeoff area is too short, or to get aircraft at significantly higher takeoff weights than normal airborne.<ref>{{cite book |title=A Dictionary of Aviation |first=David W. |last=Wragg |isbn=9780850451634 |edition=first |publisher=Osprey |year=1973 |page=87}}</ref> The British initiated experiments in 1917 that continued until 1919, with {{HMS|Slinger|1917|6}} using [[Fairey Campania]] and [[Short 310]] single engine [[floatplane]]s. These were preceded by unassisted launches from wooden platforms, but as aircraft weights and speeds increased, they became less and less useful. By the 1930s, aircraft catapults were common on major warships operated by most of the major naval powers, including [[battleship]]s and [[cruiser]]s in addition to [[aircraft carrier]]s. Trial installations were also made on some destroyers. By the 1930s, some merchant vessels with both France and Germany were also using catapults to launch civil aircraft, either to speed up mail deliveries or news, or to shorten the length of the flight when aircraft ranges were inadequate, although military applications were in mind when these were being developed. Land installations were also in use, and the requirements for the [[Avro Manchester]] [[Second World War]] [[heavy bomber]] including being able to launch them with a catapult. During the Second World War, due to  shortage of conventional aircraft carriers the British temporarily installed catapults on Merchant vessels (making them [[CAM ship]]s) to launch a [[Hawker Hurricane]] fighter escort against marauding German [[Focke Wulf Condor]] maritime reconnaissance aircraft that were reporting convoy movements, and attacking ships. The Hurricanes could not be recovered and so either had to head for land, or ditch in the open ocean after being launched. With the development of the helicopter, most catapults aside from those used on aircraft carriers were made redundant.
-The last large scale military use of catapults was during the [[trench warfare]] of [[World War I]]. During the early stages of the war, catapults were used to throw [[hand grenade]]s across [[no man's land]] into enemy trenches. They were eventually replaced by small [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]].
+The last large scale army use of catapults was during the [[trench warfare]] of [[World War I]]. During the early stages of the war, catapults were used to throw [[hand grenade]]s across [[no man's land]] into enemy trenches. They were eventually replaced by small [[Mortar (weapon)|mortars]].
-The SPBG (Silent Projector of Bottles and Grenades) was a Soviet proposal for an anti-tank weapon that launched grenades from a spring-loaded shuttle up to {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tankarchives.ca/2016/08/russian-piat.html | title=Russian PIAT }}</ref>
+The SPBG (Silent Projector of Bottles and Grenades) was a Soviet proposal for an anti-tank weapon that launched grenades from a spring-loaded shuttle up to {{cvt|100|m}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tankarchives.ca/2016/08/russian-piat.html | title=Russian PIAT }}</ref>
-Special variants called [[aircraft catapult]]s are used to launch planes from land bases and sea carriers when the takeoff runway is too short for a powered takeoff or simply impractical to extend.<ref>{{cite book |title=A Dictionary of Aviation |first=David W. |last=Wragg |isbn=9780850451634 |edition=first |publisher=Osprey |year=1973 |page=87}}</ref> Ships also use them to launch torpedoes and deploy bombs against submarines.{{dubious|date=June 2016}}
+In 2024, during the [[Gaza war]], a trebuchet created by private initiative of an [[Israel Defence Forces |IDF]] reserve unit was used to throw firebrands over the border into Lebanon, in order to set the undergrowth which offered possible camouflage to [[Hezbollah]] fighters on fire.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/14/middleeast/israel-catapult-trebuchet-lebanon-intl/index.html Israeli troops catapult fireball into Lebanon using weapon rarely used since 16th century], Benjamin Brown, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Paul Murphy and Christian Edwards for [[CNN]], posted & accessed June 14, 2024.</ref>
-In 2024, during the [[Gaza war]], a trebuchet created by private initiative of an [[Israel Defence Forces |IDF]] reserve unit was used to throw firebrands over the border into Lebanon, in order to set on fire the undergrowth which offered camouflage to [[Hezbollah]] fighters.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/14/middleeast/israel-catapult-trebuchet-lebanon-intl/index.html Israeli troops catapult fireball into Lebanon using weapon rarely used since 16th century], Benjamin Brown, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Paul Murphy and Christian Edwards for [[CNN]], posted & accessed June 14, 2024.</ref>
 ===Toys, sports, entertainment===
@@ Line 116: / Line 116: @@
 Small catapults, referred to as "traps", are still widely used to launch [[clay target]]s into the air in the sport of [[clay pigeon shooting]].
-In the 1990s and early 2000s, a powerful catapult, a trebuchet, was used by thrill-seekers first on private property and in 2001–2002 at Middlemoor Water Park, Somerset, England, to experience being catapulted through the air for {{convert|100|ft|m|sp=us}}. The practice has been discontinued due to a fatality at the Water Park. There had been an injury when the trebuchet was in use on private property. Injury and death occurred when those two participants failed to land onto the safety net.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |title=Scandal: Extreme Oxford Sports |last=Martin |first=Brett |date=August 5, 2013 |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=November 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531102033/http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |archive-date=May 31, 2017 }}</ref> The operators of the trebuchet were tried, but found not guilty of manslaughter, though the jury noted that the fatality might have been avoided had the operators "imposed stricter safety measures."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |title=Inquest told of student catapult death |newspaper=The Guardian |date=October 31, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114133709/http://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |archive-date=January 14, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |title=BBC NEWS UK England Oxfordshire - Safety doubts over catapult death |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211151741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |archive-date=December 11, 2014 }}</ref> [[Human cannonball]] [[circus]] acts use a catapult launch mechanism, rather than gunpowder, and are risky ventures for the human cannonballs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|title=The Straight Dope: How do "human cannonballs" survive?|last=Adams|first=Cecil|date=1991-06-21|website=Straight Dope|publisher=Chicago Reader|access-date=November 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106071839/http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|archive-date=January 6, 2009}}</ref>
+In the 1990s and early 2000s, a powerful catapult, a trebuchet, was used by thrill-seekers first on private property and in 2001–2002 at Middlemoor Water Park, Somerset, England, to experience being catapulted through the air for {{convert|100|ft|m|sp=us}}. The practice has been discontinued due to a fatality at the Water Park. There had been an injury when the trebuchet was in use on private property. Injury and death occurred when those two participants failed to land on the safety net.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |title=Scandal: Extreme Oxford Sports |last=Martin |first=Brett |date=August 5, 2013 |magazine=Vanity Fair |access-date=November 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531102033/http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2004/02/oxford-university-dangerous-sports-club |archive-date=May 31, 2017 }}</ref> The operators of the trebuchet were tried, but found not guilty of manslaughter, though the jury noted that the fatality might have been avoided had the operators "imposed stricter safety measures."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |title=Inquest told of student catapult death |newspaper=The Guardian |date=October 31, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114133709/http://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/oct/31/highereducation.uk4 |archive-date=January 14, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |title=BBC NEWS UK England Oxfordshire - Safety doubts over catapult death |date=November 2, 2005 |access-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211151741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4401024.stm |archive-date=December 11, 2014 }}</ref> [[Human cannonball]] [[circus]] acts use a catapult launch mechanism, rather than gunpowder, and are risky ventures for the human cannonballs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|title=The Straight Dope: How do "human cannonballs" survive?|last=Adams|first=Cecil|date=1991-06-21|website=Straight Dope|publisher=Chicago Reader|access-date=November 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106071839/http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_069.html|archive-date=January 6, 2009}}</ref>
 Early [[launched roller coaster]]s used a catapult system powered by a diesel engine or a dropped weight to acquire their momentum,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OzZHAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA49|title=Coasters 101: An Engineer's Guide to Roller Coaster Design|last=Weisenberger|first=Nick|year=2013|isbn=9781468013559|pages=49–50|publisher=Nick Weisenberger |oclc=927712635|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223060540/https://books.google.com/books?id=OzZHAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA49|archive-date=2017-12-23}}</ref> such as [[Shuttle Loop]] installations between 1977 and 1978. The catapult system for roller coasters has been replaced by [[flywheel]]s and later [[linear motor]]s.
@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 ===Smuggling===
-In January 2011, a homemade catapult was discovered that was used to [[Smuggling|smuggle]] [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] into the United States from Mexico. The machine was found {{convert|20|ft|abbr=on}} from the border fence with {{convert|4.4|lb}} bales of cannabis ready to launch.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | newspaper = Pop Sci | date = Jan 2011 | title = Mexican authorities seize homemade marijuana hurling catapult at border | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110130043830/http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | archive-date = 2011-01-30 }}.</ref>
+In January 2011, a homemade catapult was discovered that was used to [[Smuggling|smuggle]] [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] into the United States from Mexico. The machine was found {{cvt|20|ft|0}} from the border fence with {{convert|4.4|lb}} bales of cannabis ready to launch.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | newspaper = Pop Sci | date = Jan 2011 | title = Mexican authorities seize homemade marijuana hurling catapult at border | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110130043830/http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-01/mexican-authorities-seize-homemade-marijuana-hurling-catapult-border | archive-date = 2011-01-30 }}.</ref>
 == See also ==

Catapult: Difference between revisions

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