330-PSA-180-63 (USN 711337):  The Latest in Modern Warfare – a Slingshot?   Earl Larson, Boatswain’s Mate Third Class, USN, fires one of the attack aircraft carrier Shangri-La’s (CV 38) five slingshots to the fleet oiler Caloosahatchee (AO 98) during refueling operations off Newfoundland.  The slingshots, after a brief test and evaluation phase, became operational equipment aboard Shangri-La in February of this year.  They are used to throw lines from the carrier to other ships for refueling and replenishment.  The lines were previously fired from a 45/70 caliber line-throwing gun, but the method is considered dangerous.  If the line struck a man on the receiving ship, it could cause serious injury.  While the firing force of the slingshot is sufficient to send the shot-line across, it does not have the power to injure personnel.  The Shangri-La’s slingshots are made of solid steel and measure 36 inches in length and 17 inches between prongs.  Mounted in the hollow of a lifeline stanchion, the slingshot can fire a line up to 200 feet.  Photograph released August 25, 1963.  (2015/10/20).
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