How Many Watermelons it takes to stop Arrows?

This video revisits the physics of arrow flight, specifically testing how far arrows travel when launched at a 45-degree angle compared to a lower angle. It demonstrates that a 45-degree launch significantly increases distance for both compound and traditional bows. The experiment uses precise angle measurement tools and compares results from a compound bow, a traditional recurve bow, and a high-speed crossbow.

This video demonstrates the flight time of arrows shot vertically using different bow types. A recurve bow arrow fell in 8.5 seconds, a compound bow arrow in 12 seconds, and a high-speed crossbow arrow in 18.5 seconds. Specialized whistling arrow tips were used to aid in tracking the arrow's descent, adding weight but providing an auditory cue.

This experiment tests the penetration capabilities of bows and a crossbow against an airplane door. A 20 lb bow failed to penetrate, while a 70 lb bow succeeded, though the arrow broke. The 210 lb crossbow, using a broadhead, gashed through the door and embedded in a table, missing the dummy. The results highlight significant differences in projectile power and material resistance.

This experiment tests the penetration power of arrows against hard hats. A PSE Evoke 31 compound bow, drawing 75 lbs and shooting at 330 fps, was used. A standard practice tip arrow penetrated two hard hats, stopping at the third. A stainless steel broadhead arrow, however, completely pierced three hard hats, demonstrating significantly higher penetration capability.

This video tests the ground penetration depth of various archery devices, from recurve bows to high-performance crossbows. The TenPoint Nitro XRT achieved the deepest penetration at nearly 11 inches, while a PSE recurve and the Pocket Shot had the shallowest at 5.5 inches. The experiment highlights how factors like arrow velocity and bow power significantly influence penetration.

This video tests a custom .50 BMG arrow designed to fire its round upon impact. Initial tests with a recurve bow failed due to the round falling out, but a successful ignition was achieved after securing it with tape, causing a significant explosion on a car door. Further tests showed dangerous ricochets and poor accuracy due to the arrow's extreme weight distribution, making it unsuitable for precise targeting.

This video tests how many cast iron skillets are needed to stop various bullets, from .22 LR to 500 S&W Magnum. Most common handgun rounds like 9mm and .45 ACP are stopped by two skillets. Rifle rounds like 5.56mm and 7.62x39mm also require two to three skillets, while the powerful 500 S&W Magnum penetrates three and is stopped by the fourth. The .22 LR failed to penetrate even the first skillet.

This video tests the penetration capabilities of a .50 BMG rifle, specifically the Serbu BFG-50A, against a section of railroad track. Various .50 caliber rounds, including Raufoss Mk 211 API and silver tip API, were fired. While the rifle and ammunition demonstrated the ability to penetrate even the thickest parts of the rail (over 1.5 inches), bullet deflection and shifting upon impact with the dense steel were observed.

This video demonstrates launching an M67 fragmentation grenade using an X Products Can Cannon towards a distant frozen lake. The Can Cannon, firing .223 blanks, successfully propels the grenade, which detonates upon impact, creating a visible hole in the ice. The experiment highlights the launcher's capability for extreme projectile delivery in challenging outdoor conditions.

This video tests the destructive power of a .50 caliber spotter round against 1.25-inch thick bulletproof glass, comparing it to a standard FMJ round. The spotter round, designed to spark and flash, created a larger crater and more surface damage than the FMJ round, demonstrating its specialized impact characteristics. The Serbu BFG-50A rifle was used for both tests.