We performed experiments using proton beams to heat foam‐filled cylinders on the Particle Beam Fusion Acceleration II. Preliminary analysis of these diagnostic results provides reasonable agreement between prediction and experiment. The diagnostic package allowed us to benchmark target response as well as diagnose driver performance. Soft x‐ray images, both time and space resolved, and the results of broadband spectral measurements on bolometers and x‐ray diodes provide qualitative agreement with LASNEX predictions of target features such as Au motion and soft x‐ray emission profile. The analysis is consistent with a total beam deposition of 40–50 kJ and power depositions of approximately 180 TW/g. Estimates of target motion confirm the ability of the foam to retard wall motion.