General Information

   Three major types of catapults are the mangonel, trebuchet, and Da Vinci model. All three were primarily made of wood. Each used a different type of force to provide energy for the launching of a projectile. The mangonel used torsion, for a torsion spring was used to swing the arm. The trebuchet used gravity, with a weighted counterweight suspended at the opposite end of the beam to which the launching pouch is attached. The Da Vinci model used tension, with a bow that was connected to the armature by ropes, which were tightened using a winding mechanism and released to fire. The mangonel launches projectiles in a faster, further and lower altitude trajectory. The trebuchet launches projectiles in a higher and shorter distance trajectory, but could get more power from a heavier counterweight. The Da Vinci model launches projectiles with a trajectory  that has height and distance between those of the mangonel and trebuchet.