Chinese ''Flaming Catapult''

By Crusader1307

Developed around the 9th Century BC, The Flaming Trebuchet was a Ancient Chinese Siege Weapon built under orders of Emperor Renzong  (Son Dynasty). As with most Catapult-style weapons (which were tension activated devices made to project objects), The Chinese combined a form of flammable “Greek Fire” substance. Propelled by (4) Wheels which were pulled by Manpower or Oxen, The Device was a wooden and brass cage, roughly 15 to 25-feet in height. A second, semi-enclosed platform was constructed above. The tension bar was mounted on a turn bar (located on the front of the elevated platform). Bar “locks” allowed the tension bar to be pulled taunt via a series of sinew ropes underneath and rearward.

 
The “Missile” was a clay or ceramic pot filled with smoldering flammable chemicals of different mixtures. On average, a “Pot” weighted 35 to 50-pounds. Upon release of the tension ropes, the projectile would launch. It is estimated that a projectile could “fly” for 125 to 150-yards. Some examples of The Flaming Trebuchet were also made (in smaller scale) for The Chinese Navy.