Did You Know Who Invented the Catapult?

Have you ever wondered who invented the catapult? A little research on the internet showed that the device was actually invented in Russia, where it was called a “Rogatka” or slingshot. Based on this theory, these Russians who invented the catapult probably did it around circa 1888 as there was no documentation of any such device before that time.

The people who invented the catapult initially used vulcanized rubber in the construction of the classic device. The most common source for the rubber came from the inner tube of a type. The frame of the catapult was made from the fork of a tree branch. It was found that branches from the Dogwood tree in particular makes good catapult frames. Up until the end of World War 2, catapults were considered only as a child toys.

It was in 1949 that the Wham-O company first mass produced the modern catapult, which had the first ever wrist branch slashed slingshot. In 1954, the Saunder “Wrist-Rocket”was introduced. This highly accurate and fast catapult changed the face of the catapult from a harmless children toy to a weapon. It featured a ammo pouch. Power bands, guidance collar and wear-reducing prongs. Because of the rubber used in the bands, catapults are usually kept away from sunlight and in the water so that the rubber does not crack or stiffen. If the rubber is not kept in this way, then it would lose a lot of its elasticity. Instead of tree branches, modern catapults now use metal rod frames to prevent injuries caused by the branch breaking and to improve accuracy

In the early days, almost anything can be used as the ammo for the catapult. Often you see children playing with rubbers seeds or water bombs with the catapult. When the intention of using the catapult became more sinister, stones and other hard items were used. Nowadays, the most popular ammo

for catapult enthusiast is the ½” steel shot. This is a specialized ammo made from steel which actually looks like the bullets for the turn of the century weapons.

Today, while catapults still remain a children’s favourite, its commercial counterparts are be highly accurate and dangerous as a weapon. Because of its dangerous nature, there are laws governing the sale and shipping of the weapon. There are some states in America where you cannot be shipped to, as it is against the law.