A vintage-1950s shock test machine weighs 120,000 lbs but still pulls its weight in the high-tech 90s (see the front cover). Although it is called a "Medium" Weight Shock Machine, the MWSM is a true leviathan, dating from the WWII, pre-computer era of shock testing. The hammer/anvil assembly weighs 7000 lbs. The fully assembled system stands 13 ft tall and must be housed in a 20 ft deep pit with an independent foundation. After more than 40 years of service, the MWSM went onto the auction block when Hughes Aircraft decided to close down its test facility in Fullerton, CA.
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