Supplemental Restraint System with Flow Control for Minimizing Occupant Injury

Airbags are established injury preventing devices in automobiles, and will soon appear in aircraft. Airbags have already been developed for military helicopters and commuter aircraft, and general aviation applications will follow. The proposed research will develop technology to permit the first general aviation airbags to be as small and light weight as possible while still providing the needed level of crash protection. While optimizing performance,this technology will also prevent airbag induced injuries. Unfortunate incidents of the type publicised in the media for auto air bags will then be avoided in the first genereral aviation air bag applications. The technology will be based on total gas flow management techniques. The flow of both inflating and exiting gas will be controlled.