Longbow

The longbow is a launching device for arrows. It represents a historical form of bow. The term "longbow" serves as a generic term for all simple, rod-shaped bows; in a broader sense, it also refers to bows with flat cross-sections ("flat bows"), which have been archaeologically documented in Europe since the Mesolithic period. The longbow—like all other bows—is considered a sporting device and not a weapon under Austrian Weapons Law.

The English longbow is the name given to the stick bow type of the late Middle Ages, usually made of yew or elm, which became known primarily through its mass use in late medieval battles.

To distinguish the longbow from other types of bow, two criteria in particular must be met: The length corresponds approximately to the size of the archer and the bowstring only touches the longbow at the string attachments (the “tips”).

In traditional bowmaking, a distinction is made between English and American longbows. English longbows of the Mary Rose type are traditionally made of yew and have a deep D-shaped limb without a grip band. Later Victorian English longbows have a lens-shaped cross-section across their entire length and a round grip, usually with a leather wrap. These are called stickbows. American longbows have flat limbs, usually with a more rectangular limb cross-section and a grip that fits more comfortably in the hand. The latter are also called flat bows.

Modern longbows are usually made of wood, glass fiber reinforced (GRP) or carbon fiber reinforced (CFRP) plastic composites.