Tensile impact testing was performed on both AS4 carbon/3501-6 epoxy and S2 glass/3501-6 epoxy unidirectional composites, and the neat (unreinforced) Hercules 3501-6 epoxy. Static tensile tests were also performed. The impact testing was conducted using an apparatus designed and fabricated specifically for composite materials. Impact test results indicated relatively little influence of varying the impact velocity from static to 5 m/s, a range of practical interest in design. © 1990, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.