Video of NASA dropping helicopter to watch it crash

( Video Link: Youtube )

The second crash test of a small lightweight helicopter at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., was a smashing success, literally -- just as engineers had predicted.
The helicopter smacked hard into the concrete. Its skid gear collapsed, its windscreen cracked open and its occupants lurched forward violently, suffering potentially spine-crushing injuries according to internal data recorders. The crash test was all in the name of research to try to make helicopters safer.
For full story: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/aeronautic.

US Army Rail Gun Fires for the First Time

Not to be less than the US Navy, the Army has tested their own electromagnetic rail gun, firing several times at Dugway Proving Grounds. Manufacturer General Atomics calls it Blitzer. I call it Hey Enemy Tank, You Have Been Blended.

Blitzer will continue testing through 2010, until they fire "tactically relevant aerodynamic rounds." That means shells designed to obliterate enemy tanks, bunkers, and anything that moves on the ground.

[General Atomics, Via: Popsci, Via: Gizmodo]

Five Tracks

This picture of tracks in Lakehurst, New Jersey looks quite intriguing. Can you guess what they are for?

In order for a plane to safely land on an aircraft carrier without racing off the end, its tailhook needs to be ‘caught’ by arresting cables attached to the carrier’s deck (see here). these cables need to be extremely strong and durable but also flexible enough so as not to stop the plane too quickly. these 5 test tracks, located at navair in lakehurst, are dedicated to testing these very systems and the emergency barricades. LINK

See more pictures of vehicle testing facilities at deputy dog. Link