What was the counter weight of trebuchet?
Large trebuchets of this type would typically feature a counterweight roughly ten times the weight of the projectile, which would put War Wolf’s counterweight in the neighborhood of 1.5 tons!
Who invented the counterweight trebuchet?
The counterweight trebuchet, also a Chinese invention, replaced the traction trebuchet in the middle of the 12th century and remained in use through the 15th century. It was able to hurl a projectile up to 300 metres but the steep arc of its flight limited effectiveness against fortifications.
When was the counterweight trebuchet used?
12th century
The counterweight trebuchet appeared in both Christian and Muslim lands around the Mediterranean in the 12th century. It could fling projectiles weighing up to 350 pounds (160 kg) at or into enemy fortifications. Its use continued into the 15th century, well after the introduction of gunpowder.
Where was the counterweight trebuchet invented?
ancient China
The counterweight trebuchet was the product of a technological tradition that began in ancient China, was further advanced in the technologically sophisticated civilizations of Islam and Byzantium, and was brought to its fullest development in Western Europe.
How does a counterweight trebuchet work?
To launch a projectile, a trebuchet utilizes the transfer of gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy. A massive counterweight at one end of a lever falls because of gravity, causing the other end of the lever to rise and release a projectile from a sling.
How does a sling work on a trebuchet?
The sling lies on a track at the base of the trebuchet. As the arm of the trebuchet begins to move, the sling drags the ball before lifting it into the air. This gives the swinging arm time to pick up speed. The sling is an extension of the beam’s reach.
How does a counter weight trebuchet work?
A trebuchet works by using the energy of a falling (and hinged) counterweight to launch a projectile (the payload), using mechanical advantage to achieve a high launch speed. For maximum launch speed the counterweight must be much heavier than the payload, since this means that it will “fall” quickly.
How does a medieval trebuchet counter?
Trebuchets can be attacked and destroyed, at least in melee so after the combat is over, grab your drafted melee fighters and attack them. that should do it.
