Scientists deliberately smash a plane 500mph into concrete wall to see what would happen
Published on Jul 25, 2025 at 5:08 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jul 25, 2025 at 6:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were to smash a plane at 500mph into a concrete wall?
A team of scientists from Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, did.
Being scientists, as well as having access to the required items to make it possible, the team did exactly that.
And the end result of smashing a plane at 500mph into a concrete wall is, well… you can see for yourself in the video above.
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There is one obvious winner when scientists smash a plane into a wall
The idea of deliberately smashing a plane at 500mph into a concrete wall might seem strange.
But a team from rocket sled facility Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, did just that in 1988.
The test in question saw an F-4 Phantom fighter jet launched from a slingshot.
The team in New Mexico then fired the plane towards a concrete wall that was 3.66 metres thick.
This experiment also used not just one, but two ‘stages of rockets’ to make sure the plane reached the ‘floated’ concrete target at the required speed.
So, what happened when the plane hit the three-meter-thick concrete target?
Well, to put it mildly, there was an apocalyptic explosion from the moment of contact.
The footage is also slowed down as part of the video above – showing the impact in full detail.
Why it caused such a big explosion
Sandia National Laboratories’ official website offered some light on the conducted test back in 1988.
‘The impact occurred at the nominal velocity of 215 meters per second (about 480 mph).’
“The test established that the major impact force was from the engines.”
Given that the footage is only now going viral on social media, people have naturally been flocking online to share their reactions.
“Obliterated!! Left the imprint of the Phantom on the wall!! Awesome,” one viewer said.
“No concrete slabs were harmed during the making of this video,” another said in jest.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
