Shock absorber could reduce helicopter fatalities

Aerospace safety-systems supplier Aero Sekur has announced that it is preparing to unveil such a feature for the civilian and defence helicopter market by 2012.

Mark Butler, chief executive of Aero Sekur, said the system will soften the blow of unplanned landings on land and sea. This can potentially save lives and inhibit damage to the helicopter airframe.

He explained that the shock-absorption system combines aspects from two of the company’s technologies. These include Aero Sekur’s safety-flotation systems, designed for keeping helicopters upright and afloat following crashes into water, and vented-airbag technology, which was originally developed as part of the ESA Exomars programme to help Mars probes land safely.

Like the flotation system, Butler said the shock-absorbing airbags will be deployed with a Non-Pyrotechnic Inflation System (NPIS).

The airbags will inflate with helium as soon as a specially engineered valve blows open. This valve can be triggered manually or automatically, he said, depending on the customer’s requirements.