Pre-1700's: Trebuchets

Trebuchets were most commonly used in the Middle Ages. The trebuchets fired many different projectiles, some which weighed over three hundred pounds! Most of the projectiles were stones used to take down walls during sieges and battles.

Although trebuchets were designed differently from one another they all had the same basic idea for how they were operated. First the trebuchet is pulled back, usually by two men turning a wheel or a crank because the base of the trebuchet and the end that does not have the sling were very heavy. When the trebuchet is fully pulled back, the ammunition is loaded in the sling and the ropes are cut which releases the built up tension and send the ammunition catapulting forward

Trebuchets were built primarily out of wood and stone because they were a common resource during the Middle Ages. Because there were many different varieties, designs, and innovations with siege weapons during this time, the cost of a trebuchet during this is unclear. Trebuchets were later replaced in favor of gunpowder and metal, but, during their prime, they were the most accurate and powerful siege weapons of war.

Cannons from the 1800's

The Athen's Double Barreled Cannon is just one of the cannons from the 1800’s. It was originally designed to shoot a chain shot (two cannonballs linked together by a chain). The two cannonballs spin together and create massive amounts of damage. Originally developed by the Spanish, chain shot was used by the Spanish to take out masts on the high seas.

Designed by John Gilleland, this cannon was actually constructed at the Athens Steam Company (hence the name) and cost around $3500 to make. The bore diameter (is the diameter of the smallest point of the cannon's bore, which is the area the projectile travels through as it is shot) was 3.67 inches, and the entire cannon weighed between 1300 to 1400 pounds. The cannon, however, was a failure because the ammunition would not fire properly, often destroying the ammunition, and although the cannon never saw production for the war, several army personnel commented that it shot regular cannonballs and grapeshot very well.

Modern-Day Cannons: 1900's to Now!

The M40A3 bolt-action sniper rifle is just one of the many examples of modern day cannons. Designed in 1996 by Jack Cutty and Neill Goddard, and released in 2001, the M40A3 is primarily used in the Marines for long action defensive combat. This rifle can fire one bullet up to 1000 m (1094 yd), and has a five round detachable box magazine (ammo cartridge). This type of sniper rifle is produced at around $1500 per rifle.

Procedure: How We Made Our Cannon

Step 1. Cut two and a half inches off of the first can.
Step 2. Tape a cannon lid to the end you jus cut off.
Step 3. Tape the part that you cut off in the beginning to the bottom of the tennis ball can where you just taped the cap
Step 4. Place the second cap on to the front of the second can
Step 5. Cut out a hole in the second can so that you will be able to lay the first tennis ball can on top of it.
Step 6. Place the first can on the second can, so that its laying in the hole at a 40 degree angle.
Stepn7. TAPE IT!!!