Table of Contents
- 1 How far can a ballista shoot?
- 2 How much weight can a ballista shoot?
- 3 How far could ancient catapults shoot?
- 4 What is a giant crossbow called?
- 5 What are the disadvantages of a Ballista?
- 6 How high can a trebuchet throw?
- 7 What was the maximum range of a Roman ballista?
- 8 Can a ballista shoot both spherical and shaft projectiles?
- 9 What happens if the efficiency of a ballista is low?
How far can a ballista shoot?
The ballista was a highly accurate weapon (there are many accounts of single soldiers being picked off by ballista operators), but some design aspects meant it could compromise its accuracy for range. The maximum range was over 500 yards (460 m), but effective combat range for many targets was far shorter.
How much weight can a ballista shoot?
The largest ballistas were quite accurate in hurling 60-pound weights up to about 500 yards. Compare catapult.
What was range of Roman catapult?
It could fire a 60lb (27kg) stone forward or a 3ft bolt (100m) and was capable of hitting a wall up to 550 yards (503m) away. This was far outside the range of enemy bowmen who could only fire the arrows to a distance of about 110 yards (100m). It therefore allowed the soldiers to set it up away from the enemy.
How far could ancient catapults shoot?
The catapult was an ancient siege machine that could hurl heavy objects or shoot arrows with great force and for considerable distances. Some catapults could throw stones weighing as much as 350 pounds for distances greater than 300 feet.
What is a giant crossbow called?
A Ballista is an ancient military siege engine in the form of a crossbow. Typically it was used to hurl large bolts, and had better accuracy than a catapult at the expense of reduced range.
How much does a Ballista cost?
Siege Weapon Costs
| Siege Weapon | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Ballista | 2,000 gp | |
| Bolt | 25 gp | |
| Cannon | 5,000 gp | |
| Canister shot | 50 gp |
What are the disadvantages of a Ballista?
Disadvantages of the Ballista were that it it took al long time to pull back the winch because of the force needed to pull it back, which means lower firing rate, and it was not a long ranged weapon and were not effective if the catepults and trebuchets were further away from the Ballista’s reach.
How high can a trebuchet throw?
Based on historical designs, it stands 18 metres (59 ft) tall and throws missiles typically 36 kg (80 lbs) up to 300 metres (980 ft).
Is it legal to make a ballista?
Here’s what you need to know. The short, non-answer is of course you can build your own catapult. Constructing a small catapult for use in your kitchen or back yard appears to be pretty simple. And there are no laws prohibiting the construction of catapults.
What was the maximum range of a Roman ballista?
The maximum range was over 500 yards (460 m), but effective combat range for many targets was far shorter. The Romans continued the development of the ballista, and it became a highly prized and valued weapon in the army of the Roman Empire.
Can a ballista shoot both spherical and shaft projectiles?
Ballistae could be easily modified to shoot both spherical and shaft projectiles, allowing their crews to adapt easily to prevailing battlefield situations in real time.
How many talents can you shoot with a ballista?
One talent ballista (26 kg weight projectile). The heaviest versions could shoot up to three talents (78 kg), possibly much more.
What happens if the efficiency of a ballista is low?
If efficiency of the weapon is low, i.e. lots stored energy goes to waste instead of to the projectile, the rate of fire, range and power of the projectiles is reduced. This article describes the basics of effective ballista design from a theoretical perspective.