its pretty obvious that stats don't require all this discussion, just take it as it is. within the parameters given, it is good data for the purpose intended. (but then I am one of the unemployed).
see for starters
LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT 2.0
Price USD 279.99
Item #: 8547
(open source)
http://www.arduino.cc/
http://store.makerbot.com/makerbot-thing-o-matic.html
all these I have used or am using.
Aw come on guys, the bullet fired from yuma was a small aluminum slug in a sabot. At least that was the final stage, the gun holds the record for shooting from the ground onto space whatever the distance was. see HARP
Back in the 1960's the Canadians and US Army built a gun at Yuma, AZ
see here http://www.astronautix.com/articles/abroject.htm
Supposedly it could hit the sun.