Rafael is developing an airbag system to protect civil or military helicopter crew and passengers in the event of a crash or hard landing.
The work began after the mid-air collision of two Israeli air force Sikorsky CH-53-2000s in April 1997, which resulted in the deaths of all 73 aboard.
The system, which has been patented in the USA, is based on external airbags which inflate when sensors trigger a pyrotechnic system. Activation occurs when the sensors detect a certain combination of altitude loss and ground proximity. The number and pattern of standard-sized airbags will be determined by the size of the helicopter.
The first test was performed recently on a Bell 206 fuselage which, according to Rafael, "proved that the concept and technology are valid". A second test is planned this quarter on a CH-53.
A source close to the programme says after further tests, a decision will have to be made whether to go to full scale development of the system. Development could involve a foreign partner like a helicopter manufacturer such as Bell, Boeing or Sikorsky, with whom Rafael is believed to be holding discussions.
Source: Flight International
