The Cockpit Air Bag System (CABS) is the first application of air bag technology in any aircraft cockpit worldwide. CABS is the culmination of years of research into military aircrew survivability, which indicates that 80% of military helicopter accidents are “survivable”, but about 30% of deaths occur in these “survivable” accidents. The study also showed that more the 50% of the deaths in these “survivable” accidents were due to head strike.
CABS protects the aircrew during a crash by cushioning the head and upper torso and preventing strikes against the cockpit interior (see comparison drop test video above) during various crash scenarios, including both vertical and horizontal impact conditions such as that shown in the Huey crash video above.
The Mobility & Protection Systems-developed Electronic Crash Sensor Unit (ECSU) is the key component providing the reliability and crash discrimination required for cockpit use and is capable of controlling other onboard safety systems.
CABS has undergone an extensive qualification program, including assessment of in-flight deployment and underwater egress, and is already fielded on the UH-60A/L and OH-58D aircraft.
