Attraction "Catapult" (second name - "Slingshot") can be used as circus equipment or sports equipment. A structure of low height (15-20 m) is most often installed on the beach or in a park area and is the prototype of a swing. Two racks with a crossbar and elastic ropes are mounted in the ground. The passenger is attached to the cables using seat belts and reliable rigging devices. The function of the starting mechanism is performed by the service operator, the lifting and lowering of the passenger is carried out by the winch. To extend the entertainment time, a trampoline is installed under the crossbar. Then the rider can repel himself and make jumps, somersaults in the air.
Also known is another attraction "Catapult", which is installed on the swimming base. Its second name is "Overwater swing". This is a structure of two side racks and crossbars. They are connected to four elastic suspension with a seat at the bottom. The device is mounted in such a way that the crossbars, seat and ropes form a parallelogram mechanism in the swing plane. It providesplane-parallel movement of the chair. The seat of the attraction is completely open in front, and has a smooth surface inside. On such a swing, the rider swings measuredly in the air. The purpose of this attraction is to throw a passenger into the water. It is achieved thanks to the electric drive of the suspension platoon. Together with it, the function of the throw is carried out by the locks of the cocked position of the chair and the vertical position of the suspensions, the trigger mechanism, the working stroke drive and adjustable stops for limiting the working stroke.
Another attraction "Catapult" is currently gaining popularity. It is installed on the water and is designed for a large number of people. Its second name is "Blob". This is an oblong-shaped inflatable pillow. It doesn't fully inflate. A person sits on one end of the lowered area (closer to the water), and a person jumps from a low tower on the other end of the blob. Due to the redirected air pressure to the other edge of the device, a person is “thrown” into the water. The force of the push depends on the height of the jump and the puff of the blob.
Attraction "Catapult" - entertainment for real extreme people. Those who want to tickle their nerves and take off on a cannonball can use this modern device in places of public recreation. This adrenaline rush device was invented by Troy Griffin just a few years ago - in 1995.
The attraction "Catapult" in St. Petersburg consists of two high towers, whichfirmly installed on the platform. Two elastic ropes are attached to them. At the other end of the cables, a double (or single) chair is fixed, protected by a spherical steel frame. Before the start, the rope is stretched and the “capsule” with people is held on the platform with the help of an electromagnet. When it is turned off, the seat abruptly catapults upwards. Passengers at this moment experience a strong overload, similar to space. For 4 seconds of flight to a height of 70–80 meters, the speed of the “capsule” reaches 19 m/s. This is the speed of a locomotive flying down a high mountain. During the flight, the seat with passengers rotates around its axis. This rotation allows you to get additional sensations and makes the attraction more interesting. After several swings up and down, the tension of the cables is reduced and the chair is lowered onto the platform. At this time, other attractions in St. Petersburg can be seen from above.
