Research into the high velocity impact of materials has necessitated the setting up of a new facility at the Royal Military College of Science. A light-gas gun and flash x-ray system were acquired to meet the research objectives. In this article, the light-gas gun and auxiliary equipment are described. Modifications were made to the facility to ensure the safety of personnel during a gas gun and flash x-ray firing. An analysis was carried out to select operating parameters within the maximum safe loading condition of the gas gun. The work met the safety and operational objectives, and suggestions for future work are made.