have you ever sat down as well as thought “I wonder if a trebuchet could launch a projectile at supersonic speeds?” Neither have we. That’s what separates [David Eade] from the rest of us. He didn’t just ask the question, he answered it! as well as he documented the entire build in a YouTube video which you can see below the break.
The trebuchet is a type of catapult that was popular for use as a siege engine before gunpowder became a thing. Trebuchets use a long arm to throw projectiles farther than conventional catapults. The focus has usually been on enhancing throwing distance for the size of the projectile, or vice versa. but of course you’re here to read about the other thing that trebuchets can be used for: speed.
How fast is fast? how about a whip-cracking, sonic-booming speed in excess of 450 meters per second! How’d he do it? mostly wood as well as rubber with some metal bits thrown in for safety’s sake. [David]’s video discusses in full all of the engineering that went into his trebuchet, as well as it’s a lot less than you’d think. There’s a very satisfying montage of full power trebuchet launches that make it audibly clear that the projectile being thrown is going well past the speed of sound, with a report quite similar to that of a small rifle.
[David]’s outstanding project as well as presentation makes it clear that all one has to do to build a supersonic trebuchet is to try. just be careful, as well as view where you shoot that thing before you put somebody’s eye out, ok?
Speaking of things that can go unexpectedly fast, check out these unpowered RC gliders that technique the speed of sound just feet off the ground. as well as thanks to [Keith] for the amazing Tip!