4 ms·
It would be interesting to scale this design up. Not necessarily in terms of velocity--supersonic velocity for a large trebuchet munition isn't necessarily desi
by 27183 2mo ago
It would be interesting to scale this design up. Not necessarily in terms of velocity--supersonic velocity for a large trebuchet munition isn't necessarily desirable. What I mean specifically is scaling up the multi-revolution arm and sling release technology to be capable of launching a ~1 ton projectile.
Could it be done reliably with traditional construction techniques (wood, treenails, lashings, minimal metal hardware)?
AFAIK these are innovations that were not explored historically. It would be interesting to see if they would have been viable. It seems like you could probably achieve a lot more downrange energy using the same amount of materials this way.
- itronitron 2mo agoThe spiral drivetrain seems like the most innovative, and elegant, technology that could be built with old tech. It requires some very strong rope though, so if you went back in time you'd need to really focus on that.
- 27183 2mo agoHemp ropes are quite strong, they've proven themselves for thousands of years in marine applications. You definitely need more thickness to achieve the same breaking strength as dyneema or steel cable but at slower speeds and higher projectile masses the aerodynamic consequences of a thicker sling rope might not matter so much. As for the "drive rope" for lack of a better term (the one that transfers power from the falling weight to the rotating drum) that one can be basically as thick as you like.
- itronitron 2mo ago>> at slower speeds and higher projectile masses the aerodynamic consequences of a thicker sling rope might not matter so much. You make an excellent point.
- superxpro12 2mo agoI think this ends somewhat at Spinlaunch: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/04/spinlaunch-yes-the-centrifuge-rocket-company-is-making-a-hard-pivot-to-satellites/ https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/04/spinlaunch-yes-the-cen...