by Paul E. Chevedden, Les Eigenbrod, Vernard Foley and Werner Soedel
This 640 x 819 pixel image shows how a sling was attached firmly to the beam at one end and looped over a metal prong at the other. When it reached the proper angle in its arc, the loop would fly free, releasing the projectile. Proper adjustment of the prong and the overall length of the sling were crucial to achieving maximum range. The addition of counterweights increased the power of the trebuchet. The elimination of the pulling ropes made possible another innovation: by placing a trough under the trebuchet beam to hold the projectile, engineers could lengthen the sling and increase the range even further. The sling rotates faster after the shot is airborne, so its length controls the launch angle.
A 14-second video clip of the Trebuchet launching a toilet 200 yards is available in the Special Files Library.
