Archaeologists in England have excavated an experimental catapult (RAE Mark III) at Harwell, in Oxfordshire, designed to launch World War II bomber planes into the air.

It was made to enable take-offs using shorter runways and so the planes could be loaded with more fuel.

The contraption was built between 1938 and 1940 when the site was RAF Harwell. But the prototype, built between 1938 and 1940, was never used. The device was later buried, and a regular runway was built over it in 1941.

The catapult has now been dismantled to allow construction works in the area to continue, though the remains are being archived. Excavations also uncovered large lights from another nearby runway, and a light anti-aircraft gun emplacement used to defend it from attack.

If you want to learn more, join for a free online talk https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/archaeological-building-survey-of-the-harwell-catapult-tickets-726642405997 covering the excavation of the catapult on 18 October 2023!

https://twitter.com/MOLArchaeology/status/1712045898983719084/photo/1

https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/catapult-designed-to-launch-world-war-ii-bomber-planes-unearthed-in-england

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-67052782

https://www.mola.org.uk/blog/excavations-harwell-investigate-experimental-ww2-catapult