The Leonardo da Vinci Bombard is a working re-creation of his 15th Century design. As well as being an artist, Leonardo was a military engineer who drew many designs of weapons for the Dukes of his time. This bombard re-creates one of Leonardo’s iconic images of a cannon and exploding cannonballs. Launch projectiles and re-live those whimsical Renaissance days!

This working re-creation uses elastics to launch a hollow ball – up to 14 feet, and it can be rotated with a gear driven slider to change the trajectory – for some interesting insights about how trajectory changes distance a projectile travels. You can add items to the balls to change the weight, which will also change the distance, and use other types of small balls to learn about how density and the smoothness of the covering affects how projectiles will fly. 

Measures Assemble 6 × 6 × 15 cm

Recommended for ages 14 years+ -While the kit can be made by people younger than 14 (we think kids 9 and over have the skills) it does launch a projectile, so is rated 14+. The balls are hollow, and light – so very safe – even at close range.