Leonardo
was inspired by the sling, an ancient weapon that allowed stone
projectiles to be hurled forcefully. This machine was equipped with
eight slings positioned at the end of each arm, which could hurl
stones in any direction. The idea was to build an economical
defensive weapon with easily available materials and without the
complications of firearms. The machine was designed to be built with
wood and ropes, while the use of metal was limited to the pins and
joint elements. The engine was made of a system of enormous wooden
crossbows. The crossbows were loaded by twisting the cables on the
axle upon which the rotating arms were mounted using a toothed wheel
turned by two or four people. Given the highly dangerous nature of
the mechanism, Leonardo studied a release system to securely activate
the machine from far away.
Machines
Multiple Sling
Codex Atlanticus folio 159r