Cobham has developed next generation inertia reel technology
with the Pretensioning Aircrew Restraint System, designed to
improve occupant safety by significantly reducing upper torso, head
and neck flail during a crash event or hard landing.
Benefits over traditional restraint systems
With traditional restraint and inertia reel systems, occupant
flail envelope can increase due to elongation of the restraint
webbing, compression or "pack down" of inertia reel webbing which
creates extra webbing payout. The Pretensioning Aircrew
Restraint System (PARS) significantly reduces webbing slack
immediately prior to a crash impact by sensing the impending impact
and tensioning the restraint system. Functioning similar to
air bag deployment, a Crash Recognition Module (CRM) sends a signal
to actuate the PARS prior to impact, removing harness slack and
quickly securing the aircrew upper torso. This pretensioning
sequence limits forward motion of the upper torso, head and neck,
significantly reducing the opportunity for head/torso contact with
the cyclic stick or other cockpit structure.
Completely modular system
The PARS system can be purchased as a new component with
Cobham's current MA-16 Inertia Reel System or as an upgrade to an
existing, fielded MA-16 Inertia Reel System.