The catapult was used to throw stones and other projectiles.
Catapult is a term that derives from the Latin language, although its most distant etymological antecedent is found in the Greek word katapéltēs . A catapult is a device formerly used in warfare to launch blunt objects .
It is estimated that this instrument was developed in 400 BC. C. , possibly in Syracuse . As time went by, the Romans and Carthaginians optimized its design and operation. The catapult was an element of great importance in medieval times, until the use of gunpowder left it in the background.
Use of the catapult
With a catapult, it was possible to throw projectiles over great distances . They were generally used to throw heavy stones against the walls of enemy buildings; Once these walls collapsed, the place was assaulted.
There were catapults with different mechanisms of action . One way or another, they managed to propel the projectile violently.
The trebuchet , the onager and the crossbow are weapons related to the catapult. In some cases, they can even be considered types of it.
After the use of gunpowder, the catapult lost preponderance.
Its operation
The operation of a catapult is linked to the laws of physics . Many times they resorted to torsion , storing mechanical energy through turns of their strings. This energy was then released for launch.
Another common mechanism of catapults consisted of applying tension to an arm, which was pushed down with ropes, where it was fixed. Then the projectile was loaded in the arm and the ropes that were tense were cut, with which the release of that tension caused a sudden movement that allowed the stone to be thrown.
Aircraft catapult
It is possible to refer to another type of catapult: that which is used to allow an airplane to take off from a small place . This system is usually used so that aircraft can take off from a boat.
The catapult consists of a rail on the aircraft carrier 's flight deck. Using a steam piston, the thrust is achieved so that the plane is propelled at high speed .
a military operation
An action carried out by the British armed forces in 1940 , within the framework of the Second World War , is known as Operation Catapult . The objective was to prevent the resources of the French Navy from being in the hands of the Axis powers after the surrender of France .
By asking for an armistice, France agreed with Germany that it would disarm its ships. The Axis countries supposedly did not plan to seize the fleet; The English, however, did not trust that will.
This is how Operation Catapult was launched to neutralize the French ships. In this way the alliance between Great Britain and France also concluded.
Catapult Editors
It should be noted that Catapulta Editores is a firm with more than two decades of history . It has offices in Argentina , Brazil and Spain .
Children's books stand out in its catalogue, with works illustrated by Milo Lockett and magnetic stories (which include magnets), for example. Catapulta also publishes cooking collections.