# Giant Rubber Band Catapult System

## Concept

A 50-foot industrial rubber band stretched between two rock formations, used as a slingshot to launch the operator toward a moving target on a road below.

## Components

1. **Rubber band** - ACME SuperStretch Model 12, rated for 500 lbs of tension
2. **Anchor points** - Two mesa formations, approximately 60 feet apart
3. **Launch cradle** - Wooden seat attached to band center
4. **Aiming system** - Operator points themselves in the desired direction

## Launch Procedure

1. Attach band to both anchor points
2. Operator sits in launch cradle
3. Two assistants (not available) or one operator pulls band back using legs against anchor rock
4. Release

## Ballistic Calculations

- Launch angle: 35 degrees
- Estimated velocity at release: 180 mph
- Estimated landing zone: 400 ft radius (theoretical)
- Actual landing zone: unknown, varies significantly

## Safety Notes

The band may snap back toward the operator if tension is uneven. In 3 of 7 tests, the operator was launched backward into the adjacent cliff face.