The system logic employed in developing an automated instrumented impact system, the rationale for data analysis, and comparison of the operation of this system with that of other methods for the instrumented impact test are presented. The system is used with a wide variety of impact machines and consists of the following major components: instrumented tup (load sensing transducer), velocity measuring/trigger unit, microprocessor, printer/plotter, and floppy disk drive. System operation minimizes operator interaction and requirements for knowledge of electronics or the intricacies of data analysis for the instrumented impact test. Test results are provided as graphical (20 cm 2 ) and tabular listing of key test and data parameters. The software is applicable to any type of impact test. Data acquisition and analysis is performed using consistent procedures and complex in-depth analyses are possible on a routine basis.