I've been reading about slings, the oldest projectile weapon known to man and made famous by the biblical story of David and Goliath. An accomplished slinger is able to achieve a range of approximately 500 metres (550 yards)- The length of a par 5 hole of a golf course and the projectile travels up to a speed of 400 kph (250 mph) - The speed of a formula 1 car going flat out. This is truly amazing considering the technology involves no more than a piece of string and stones. The ammunition is plentiful and cheap and the sling has no parts to go wrong. If it does break it is easily repaired. However, In tests carried out by the Leeds Armoury, the maximum distance achievable was 160 yards (far more believable), although the individual carrying out the test says that this may be due to a lack of technique on his part. More information can be found here: www.slinging.org
So my weekend project will be to make a sling to throw tennis balls. This will be dual purpose: it can be used as a lead for Flora and tennis ball launcher for her to chase.
No comments:
Post a Comment