Patent ID: 8348192
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: B64C,B64D

Abstract:
1. A crash attenuation system for an aircraft, the system comprising: an airbag assembly carried by the aircraft and inflatable generally adjacent an exterior of the aircraft, the airbag assembly comprising: a first airbag; a second airbag; a first vent system comprising a first continuously adjustable vent area through which gas can escape from within the first airbag; and a second vent system comprising a second adjustable vent area through which gas can escape from within the second airbag; a gas source system in fluid communication with an interior of the first airbag and an interior of the second airbag for inflating the first and second airbags with gas provided by at least one gas source; a sensor system for detecting selected crash conditions; a control system for receiving data from the sensor system, the control system being configured to activate and adjust the first vent system and the second vent system at least prior to impact, based upon flight conditions, for controlling the first vent system and the second vent system being independently controlled of one another based on the detected crash conditions.