The HHSTT is unusual within the DoD Test and Evaluation community because it has organic management, engineering, fabrication, and test-operation capabilities in one location.

This ability to provide a "one-stop-shop" reduces test costs and schedule issues associated with geographically separated project functions.

Because of the HHSTT's location on a military reservation in a sparsely populated area, tests may be performed in a secure environment.

The most prominent feature of the facility is the rail system (similar in appearance to railroad tracks) used to launch rocket-powered test vehicles known as "sleds".

Within the HHSTT infrastructure, there is a 6,000-foot (1,800 m) rainfield that is used to study the erosive effects caused by the impact of raindrops on material samples or components of weapon systems carried on rocket sleds.

The reason for this system is to produce flight-like vibration environments that can not be achieved on the main steel rail track.

Electronic data, which include test timing, vehicle position, velocity, and acceleration, are routinely collected at the HHSTT.

These data are captured by various means, including Doppler radar, optical beam interrupter blades, breakwire installations and magnetic sensors, and a wide variety of component sensors to collect specialized data such as acceleration forces, strain, temperature, etc.

Additionally, world-class technical imagery, including high-speed digital images, is available for customers to examine the status of their payloads.