Crossbow like ball launcher

[sjspry]

My team's two options right now were a pneumatic catapult, and something similar using springs (dep. on if using pneumatics will end up saving weight). Instead of a crossbow with limbs, maybe just a spring being ratcheted back?

[karomata]

If this idea works, I love it. I'm trying to push my team to build a catapult this year because of the better chances of scoring, but the main concern is that a catapult isn't accurate enough. A crossbow would solve this problem.

[Gary Dillard]

Check out team 1523 (MARS) at the Florida Regional in 2006; they used something similar that was very effective. Videos available on thebluealliance.net.