55 replies to this topic

[snowybeagle]

Siege Engine Live Firing Exercise
4th-5th June 2005
10am to 10pm daily
Affected areas include Tanjong Katong, Geyland Serai and Paya Lebar.
Exercise boundaries will not be cordoned to maintain operational security.
Residents are advised to stay indoors.
Entry into live firing areas at your own risk and discretion.

But ... but ... these are the areas where the good food and the ... where the good food are ...
Ah well, guess I'll stay away for this weekend ... thanks for the warning.

And it's Geylang, your Freudian slip is showing ...

[Liang Jieming]

三弓床子弩 (San Gong Chuang Zi Nu) 3-Bow Arcuballista A.D. 1016: Completed 4th June 2005

[Thomas Chen]

I think the United Nations need to sponsor a resolution to discourage you from making ballistic projectile machines, these Weapons of Mass Destruction.... North Korea might utilize your siege crossbow and fire a giant nuclear tipped wooden arrow (wood is steathy against radar detection) across the sea to Tokyo... Hehehehe just kiddin...

[Sephodwyrm]

So Liang, you're in Singapore right now?

[Liang Jieming]

Yup. I'm in Singapore. Why?

[mk_cn]

thank god, i found here and thank you for your practice.
please see the following:
质疑中国古代弩的射程
that guy declared that it's impossible for Chuang Nu or Chin Nu to shoot those big, heavy arrows over 1,000 meters through his/her model's analysis because the initial velocity must be supersonic and since i'm only a B.A., i can only doubt his/her model's sphere of application and find some documents to dispute.
please help to prove the range if you can

[Liang Jieming]

Actually, according to Stephen Turnbull in his Siege Weapons of the Far East (1), he states;

"The range of this early weapon is not given, but later versions used during the Tang dynasty are said to have attained a maximum range of 1,160 yards. This amazing range is actually supported by a Persian source describing the use of similar machines fired from a position on the top of a mountain during the Mongol attack on one of the castles of the Assassins in 1256. The normal operating range of a single-bow siege crossbow would be between 270 and 500 yards. Up to a certain distance, the bolts were armour piercing; these weapons were much feared because of their penetrating power."

[mk_cn]

Actually, according to Stephen Turnbull in his Siege Weapons of the Far East (1), he states;

"The range of this early weapon is not given, but later versions used during the Tang dynasty are said to have attained a maximum range of 1,160 yards. This amazing range is actually supported by a Persian source describing the use of similar machines fired from a position on the top of a mountain during the Mongol attack on one of the castles of the Assassins in 1256. The normal operating range of a single-bow siege crossbow would be between 270 and 500 yards. Up to a certain distance, the bolts were armour piercing; these weapons were much feared because of their penetrating power."

thanks. i see, there's a only ancient record and no proof now. maybe one day, someone can rebuild that Triple-bow Siege Crossbow capable of shooting big arrows over thousand meter ranges ( "with noise of thunder") and test the actuall data.

[Liang Jieming]

Not that I know. Chinese siege weaponry is not a very well researched subject and I don't think a Chinese Chuangzi Nu has been built for at least the last 200 years. Maybe you could build one and test it yourself.

Measuring the maximum range using my model would not be accurate as they don't necessarily scale upwards properly though I could try and see what results I get.

[mk_cn]

Not that I know.  Chinese siege weaponry is not a very well researched subject and I don't think a Chinese Chuangzi Nu has been built for at least the last 200 years.  Maybe you could build one and test it yourself.

Measuring the maximum range using my model would not be accurate as they don't necessarily scale upwards properly though I could try and see what results I get.

yep, waiting for one guy has enough time, and money and knowledge...
it was said that a Chinese Chuangzi Nu needs several bulls to pull...

i'm looking forward to your test and it's better than nothing.
it seems that you are the first one, just like those people http://arco-iris.com...ge/alavekiu.htm and maybe that will be a historic event.

[Liang Jieming]

Ok, will test it this weekend and measure the maximum range for you.

Are you interested in Chinese siege weaponry or just the ChuangziNu?

[mk_cn]

ancient projectile weapons, archery, i think.
just a beginner.

[Liang Jieming]

Oh good! You're in the perfect place to do research too if you interested. The Shanghai National Library publishes many reproductions of old documents. You should try and get your hands on some of them. I've been trying for awhile now but my access is limited here in Singapore. Even HK has better access.

My main interest is forming up to be in Chinese siege weapons from the Mohist engines of the Spring and Autumn period right up to the early gunpowder weaponry of the Song.

[mk_cn]

really admire your elaborate attitude, good luck!