Wyrzutnik

Wyrzutnik is a type of historical artillery piece developed primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Russia. The term "wyrzutnik" translates to "projector" or "discharger" in English. This specialized artillery was designed to fire explosive shells at a high angle of elevation, resulting in a trajectory that enabled projectiles to clear walls, fortifications, and other obstacles.

The wyrzutnik's unique firing mechanism allowed it to launch shells with great force, propelling them over walls and other defenses. It was typically mounted on a field or wheeled carriage for mobility. Worms or screws were often used to propel the shell along a spiral rail, adding to the projectile's velocity and enabling the wyrzutnik's high-angle firing capability. One of its main limitations was a relatively slow rate of fire due to the complex opening and closing process of the breech mechanism.

The design of wyrzutniks underwent some modifications during their production span. Typically, wyrzutniks were mounted on pontoon bridges as a mobile and extreme solution to penetrate fortifications on occasion. Historical usage of this artillery involved both makeshift construction and extensive military campaigns, where it's notable for its independent development throughout Eastern Europe. Though still relatively rare, wyrzutniks were primarily employed by Polish and Russian battlefield forces, contributing to their historical significance and artillery advancement at the time.