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.