Holloman High Speed Test Track

There are very few missions requiring years of planning and preparation, only to be accomplished in less than six seconds. There are even fewer facilities where such a mission can take place. The Holloman High-Speed Test Track, operated by the 846th Test Squadron, is one facility that enables test scientists and engineers to meet both of the above criteria. The test track is a 10-mile long, precision-aligned track that provides scientists and engineers a platform from which to conduct their various missions. Tests on the track provide valid data on problems which cannot be solved by other ground test means.

[@kellyshopa8793]

I worked there from 1981 thru 1983 as a civilian. Saw some really cool shit fly down that track. They have made it longer since I was there. We used to police up the unused solid rocket propellant and pack Coke cans with it. #glorydays

[@garryleerob]

Hiya Kelly, can I ask what was the speed you tested ejector seats at? Someone has posted that they are checked whilst doing 6000 miles per hour. I thought, '' What would be the point?''. Proving something works at that speed does not mean it would work at say Mach 2, 1552 mph. Just assuming even if you weren't working at the 'front' at the coal-face as it were, you would've picked up something over the years? Any insight? Thanks Kelly.

[@kellyshopa8793]

@@garryleerob Well, that's kind of a trick answer. Yes, they have tested stuff at 6,000 mph, but that's data usually generated for missile tests. The reported speed record at the track currently stands at 6,453.409 miles per hour, which my calculator says is Mach 8.6, or 9,465 feet per second. I suspect there were tests beyond that but I was not invited to that party. Ejection seat testing when I was there rarely exceeded mach 3. The current posted fighter speed record is 2,193.2 mph, which is around Mach 2.8. I never saw any aircraft testing above mach 3. But keep in mind I did not have a top secret security clearance. The highest we ever had was Confidential, so there were plenty of tests we were not allowed to observe.

[@Seal550]

so scary that even the test dummy eject

[@carljohnson6538]

Faster than the flash in season 1 xD

[@JeffreyCAiken]

Thanks for posting this.
Those heavy-duty crane tracks, modified to keep the sled on the track, could also be modified to hold other loads, like
shipping containers.
With the carriage attached to the track there’s reduced chance of separation or derailment.
What is the cost of a mile of that track?
Has there been consideration to extend the track greater distances?
Has track been used to move loads such as maximum tare weight of 20-foot, 40-foot, and 53-foot shipping containers?
This type of track, designed to ensure loads are held onto the track, leads me to believe it’s possible to move load(s) of freight and people safer and at higher rate of speed than currently available.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts, if any.
Thanks,
Jeffrey Aiken

[@josephastier7421]

Those dudes at the start were hauling the mail.

[@TwoTreesStudio]

Wait, that second ejection was "safe"?

[@n124ac9]

New way to launch spacecraft up to speed to leave the atmosphere.

[@ArztvomDienst]

Did he say 40 G ?!

[@BUTCHUSAF]

Sure did! Believe it or not there was another gentleman that would eventually do 80Gs.

[@josephastier7421]

I'm surprised his eyeballs stayed in his skull.

[@ErroneousBox]

@@josephastier7421 I'm sure he was hemoraging from the pores in his skin iirc.

[@sk1pe]

What speed ?

[@infamouscashew]

Howdy lads

[@williamryder9785]

..like a rocket sled on rails..

[@codymoe4986]

Hmmm...your thumbnail suggested a 6000 mph ejection...and here's a thumb's down for the clickbait...

[@sl8415]

He is smiling but the whole motivation is just sad.