Crash test method and apparatus including pitch simulation

A crash sled system for simulating deceleration and pitching motion associated with a vehicle crash comprising:

• a main sled configured for being catapulted from a pre-launch position and accelerated along a longitudinal path;
• a pitching platform that is positioned above and configured for concurrent movement with the main sled;
• front guide assemblies that extend along the forward end of each side of the main sled when the main sled is in a pre-launch position, each of the front guide assemblies defining a front path, the pitching platform having a forward end engaging the front guide assemblies for travel along the front paths;
• one or more front guide actuators interconnected with each of the front guide assemblies, the one or more front guide actuators being operable for selectively positioning the front guide assemblies at a first predetermined inclination angle;
• rear guide assemblies that extend along the aft end of each side of the main sled when the main sled is in the pre-launch position, each of the rear guide assemblies defining a rear path, the pitching platform having a rear end engaging the rear guide assemblies for travel along the rear paths;
• one or more rear guide actuators interconnected with each of the rear guide assemblies, the one or more rear guide actuators being operable for selectively positioning the rear guide assemblies at a second predetermined inclination angle;
• and
• wherein the first predetermined inclination angle and the second predetermined inclination angle are established with the main sled in the pre-launch position to determine pitching motion induced in the pitching platform during its concurrent movement with the main sled.