Explosive Human Cannonballs
Perhaps one of the most daring acts a circus had to offer was the human cannonball. A blasting, aerodynamic feat that was equal parts bravery, recklessness, and skilled math. Some cannonball daredevils would solely use the cannonball and land safely in a net whose distance would be predetermined using the laws of physics. Others, if the venue were outdoor, would pad their boisterous landings with large bodies of water such as deep ponds or lakes. More skilled were those artists who utilized the cannon in their trapeze acts.
Contrary to what the amazing showmanship suggests, explosives are not used or required. Using explosives would have been even more deadly and dangerous than the stunt already was. Instead, the cannon acted more like a catapult rather than a cannon. The living cannon was stuffed inside the cylindrical opening, their weight would compress springs inside. Force from outside the cannon was provided, enabling the inhabitant inside to be hurled to their determined destination. Often, gunpowder or fireworks were used in conjunction to put on an even more spectacular show.
The first ever human cannonball may not be what you would expect. The first human cannonball was none other than a 14 year old girl. Rossa Matilda Richter, otherwise known as “Zazel”, was stuffed inside the metallic spring style cannon and launched into the air. An unfortunate accident causing a severely broken back led to Richter’s untimely retirement. The cannon Zazel first used was created by Canadian William Leonard Hunt, aka “The Great Farini”, who used rubber springs to launch those brave enough to become projectiles. Since the springs were made of rubber, it greatly reduced the distance a person could be launched, leading to eventual distance records being broken that were previously held by Hunt’s cannon.
Human cannonballs have produced mind blowing world records. One supposed world record comes from much more recent times. On March 10, 2011, David “The Bullet” Smith Jr. was launched over 193 ft 8.8 in (59.05 m) while working on the set of Lo Show dei Record in Milan, Italy. An estimation of “The Bullet’s” speed is a staggering 120 km/h (74.6 mph), and estimated maximum altitude of 23 m (75′ 6″). While this sounds incredible, it is contested by none other than David Smith Jr.’s father, David “Cannonball” Smith Sr. David Sr. supposedly set a record of 200 ft 4 in (61.06 m), on August 31, 2002, at The Steele County Free Fair, Owatonna, Minnesota in the United States.
The awe inspiring act is not all record breaking and shocking entertainment, though. Over 30 confirmed deaths have occurred from performing this daring feat. Most deaths and injuries do not occur from launching or mid air accidents, but instead from the landing process. The last human cannonball happened on April 25, 2011 in Kent, United Kingdom. The particular death was the result of the misuse of the safety net.