Human Catapult
Bungee Powered Amusement Ride Trebuchet<<
Back
This interesting modern variation of a traction
trebuchet uses multiple elastic bungee cords in tension for motive
force. From the United States Patent Abstract:
Human Free Flight Catapult
An amusement ride for catapulting a human rider, enclosed within
a capsule, into the air in much the same fashion as ancient
armies would hurl
large boulders over the walls of castles. The catapult
provides many of the sensations and thrills encountered by fighter pilots
launching from the decks of aircraft carriers without the requirement for
flight training or the associated dangers.
The ride essentially consists of a siege catapult and launch pod
connected by a sling
. When in the launch position, a release mechanism is triggered by the
operator and the rider is hurled
into the air at a physiologically safe rate of acceleration along a predictable
free-flight arc.
When an acceptable elevation is reached, the rider is separated
from the capsule and gently brought back to earth using an automatically
deploying parachute or similar device.
See all Catapult and Trebuchet
Plans
Human Catapult Bungee Powered Amusement Ride Trebuchet |
