Backyard Ballistics

Watch Backyard Ballistics

  • TV-NR
  • 1969
  • 1 Season

Backyard Ballistics is a thrilling and educational show that focuses on the science behind various ballistic devices and weapons that can be made in one's own backyard. Hosted by William Gurstelle, a science and technology writer, the show takes viewers on a journey through the history and evolution of ballistic devices, while showcasing the various rockets, cannons, and other weapons that can be made using normal household items.

The show is perfect for anyone who loves science, engineering, or simply making things. Each episode of Backyard Ballistics features a different projectile, ranging from simple PVC pipe slingshots to homemade fireworks, and delves into the physics, chemistry, and mathematics behind each one. Gurstelle uses his expertise and natural enthusiasm for science to explain each concept in an entertaining and easy-to-understand manner.

One of the show's standout features is the use of slow-motion footage to showcase the power and motion of each projectile. Using high-speed cameras, Gurstelle and his team capture each shot in stunning detail, showing viewers the intricacies of the launch process and the damage it can cause. This footage adds an extra layer of excitement and awe to each episode, as viewers can witness the sheer force and power of these homemade weapons.

In addition to the science and engineering aspects of the show, Backyard Ballistics also delves into the history and culture of ballistic devices. Gurstelle explores the origins of various throwing and launching devices, tracing their evolution from ancient times to modern-day. He also looks at the various uses for these devices, from hunting and warfare to entertainment and competition.

One of the most appealing aspects of Backyard Ballistics is how accessible it is for anyone, regardless of age or experience. The show emphasizes safety first, with clear instructions and warnings at every step of the process. Additionally, since many of the devices can be made using common household items, viewers can try their hand at making their own projectiles at home.

Backyard Ballistics is an entertaining, educational, and exhilarating show that is a must-watch for anyone interested in science, engineering, or just having some fun with homemade projectiles. Gurstelle's enthusiasm and expertise make him the perfect host, and the slow-motion footage adds an extra layer of excitement to each episode. Whether you're an aspiring backyard ballistics enthusiast or simply a curious viewer, this show is sure to entertain and educate.

Backyard Ballistics is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between and on MyOutdoorTV

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Seasons
Scuba Spear
10. Scuba Spear
November 24, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to build a scuba spear gun! Despite having no experience of underwater ballistic builds, Jörg is the master of rubber and has a few tricks up his sleeve. He even thinks he can outperform the best speargun on the market. Cheyenne runs some yard tests to get her head round the science of water resistance and together they make a scuba spear with a difference! It's ti
Flaming Ballista
9. Flaming Ballista
November 10, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to build a Flaming Ballista. Jörg's eyes light up at the very prospect and schools us about the historical evolution of siege weaponry. Together with Cheyenne, they craft a plan on how they are going to get this machine built! Cheyenne takes charge of the metalwork and Jörg takes charge of the rubber and wood. The final challenge is a fiery battle!
Machine Gun Crossbow
8. Machine Gun Crossbow
November 3, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to create a Machine Gun Crossbow. This is right up Jörg's street and the two of them instantly set about planning of action! They need to build a chassis for the crossbow, a magazine for the arrows to sit in and an automatic firing and reloading mechanism. They have their work cut out with so many inter reliable components to make! Can Jörg and Cheyenne build a ful
End of the World Crossbow
7. End of the World Crossbow
October 30, 2021
Time for a challenge with a difference. Cheyenne has crafted out some awesome tests to put Jorg through his paces. And this time, he is being taken out of his comfort zone. No workshop, no power tools no well researched plan. Just Jorg, his knowledge and 3 survival situations of ever increasing difficulty. What can Jorg salvage from a plane wreckage in order to make survival tools? What can he com
Axe Flinger
6. Axe Flinger
October 23, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to build an Axe Flinging Machine. There's plenty to be considered in this construction as typically axe flingers are human and not mechanical. Cheyenne and Jörg get theirs heads down and formulate the blueprints for what they think will be a machine that can beat the experts! With Cheyenne on axe making duty and Jörg working out the necessary forces and rotations t
Car Slingshot
5. Car Slingshot
October 16, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to build a colossal slingshot that will catapult a car down a racetrack. Jörg has made countless machines to fire hundreds of different projectiles but he's never been challenged to make one so enormous! Cheyenne's the car expert - she needs to weld an internal framework and release system strong enough so that Jörg's design doesn't rip their vehicle apart. On the
Gatling Gun
4. Gatling Gun
October 9, 2021
Jorg and Cheyenne are challenged to build a Gatling Gun! After looking into the history or the 19th century weapon and the challenges they can expect to face, they get to work building a wooden and elastic powered Gatling gun that shoots metal ball bearings. After testing down the firing range, Cheyenne thinks they can get a lot more power by making it a metal and compressed air build. Time to com
Super Stone Skimmer
3. Super Stone Skimmer
October 2, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to build machines that skim stones across a lake! Jörg has built thousands of slingshots so he can easily fling stones, but the question is...can he make them skim across water? Cheyenne begins making shaped stones that will skip on water and films them in slow-motion to figure out how these bad boys bounce. Jörg designs a slinger that functions like an arm - but
Javelin Launcher
2. Javelin Launcher
September 29, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to build a javelin launcher. Jörg sets out exactly how he thinks they should do it using his trusty rubber bands and wooden build. After some testing, Cheyenne is sure they can do better and has the bright idea of using compressed air to launch the javelin. The two work together and build a machine that is truly impressive. So impressive that Jörg thinks he could b
Cannon Carnage
1. Cannon Carnage
September 23, 2021
Jörg and Cheyenne are challenged to build a Rubber Powered Cannon! Jörg is particularly excited about the maximum carnage they are going to be able to create! Cheyenne sets about building the wheels, framework and crank for the cannon whilst Jörg sets about doing the science behind the rubber! Historical cannons had the huge advantage of being made from metal and using black powder as a propellan
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Where to Watch Backyard Ballistics
Backyard Ballistics is available for streaming on the MyOutdoorTV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Backyard Ballistics on demand at Amazon Prime.