NASA Crashes Helicopter to Test Energy Absorption
Research effort designed to test new shock-absorbing composites.

NASA’s October 1 crash test of a former-U.S. Marine helicopter at the Langley Research Center’s Landing and Impact Facility was designed to test three energy-absorbing composite subfloor concepts. The tests are designed to improve protection for occupants from injuries sustained during a real accident. Forty cameras installed in the cabin recorded how 13 crash dummies reacted to the accident.