Could a Triggered Airbag System Save Lives in Plane Crashes?

Project REBIRTH is an innovative AI-powered airplane crash survival system developed by engineers at BITS Pilani’s Dubai campus to enhance passenger safety during unavoidable crashes. This system employs external airbags that inflate around the aircraft upon detecting imminent danger, aiming to significantly reduce impact forces during emergency landings.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Project REBIRTH uses AI to detect imminent crashes and deploys airbags around the aircraft.
• The system is designed to activate automatically when the plane is below 3,000 feet.
• Airbags are made from advanced materials, including Kevlar and non-Newtonian fluids, to absorb impacts.
• The project was inspired by a tragic aviation incident that highlighted the need for improved safety measures.
• Successful testing could pave the way for integration into both new and existing aircraft.

How Project REBIRTH Works

At the core of Project REBIRTH is a sophisticated system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and an array of sensors to monitor critical flight parameters. These include engine status, direction, speed, altitude, temperature, and pilot activity. The system's intelligence allows it to assess situations in real-time and make crucial decisions when a crash is deemed unavoidable.

When the aircraft is flying at a height below 3,000 feet and the system identifies an imminent crash, it deploys airbags from the nose, belly, and tail of the aircraft within two seconds. This rapid deployment aims to cushion the impact and protect passengers as much as possible.

Technical Specifications

The airbags are constructed from a combination of advanced materials such as Kevlar, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Zylon, and non-Newtonian smart fluids. These materials are specifically chosen for their ability to absorb and dissipate energy during a crash, thus minimising damage to both the aircraft and its occupants.

In addition to the airbags, the system is designed to enhance safety further. If the aircraft's engines are operational, the system can engage reverse thrust to slow the aircraft down. In cases where the engines fail, gas thrusters are activated to reduce speed and stabilise the plane before impact. After a crash landing, the system employs bright orange paint, infrared beacons, GPS technology, and flashing lights to facilitate swift location by rescue teams.

Prototype and Testing

The BITS Pilani team has developed a 1:12 scale prototype of Project REBIRTH, integrating sensors, microcontrollers, and carbon dioxide canisters. The prototype is powered by AI software that manages the system’s response to changes in speed, vibration, and force. This capability allows the system to activate various safety measures in a predetermined sequence, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the crash survival system.

Computer simulations conducted by the team suggest that Project REBIRTH can potentially reduce crash impact by over 60%. As the project progresses, the engineers are preparing to collaborate with aircraft manufacturers and laboratories to conduct full-scale testing. This testing will involve wind tunnel experiments and crash simulations, essential steps in validating the effectiveness of the system.

Future Compatibility

One of the notable aspects of Project REBIRTH is its design intent to be compatible with both new and existing aircraft. This flexibility could enable a smoother transition into the aviation industry, allowing for broader adoption of the technology if it proves successful during testing.

A System Born from Tragedy

The inception of Project REBIRTH was profoundly influenced by a tragic aviation accident involving Air India earlier this year. The flight, which lost power mere seconds after takeoff, resulted in the loss of all but one passenger. This incident struck a personal chord with engineer Eshel Wasim, whose mother was deeply affected by the tragedy. Her thoughts on the fear and helplessness that passengers and pilots must have felt during that ordeal inspired the team to pursue solutions that could prevent such tragedies in the future.

In developing this system, the engineers set out to achieve three primary goals: to slow down the aircraft before impact, to absorb crash forces effectively, and to assist rescuers in reaching the crash site more quickly. Project REBIRTH stands as the latest in a line of ambitious safety innovations in aviation, joining concepts like whole-plane parachutes and self-healing coatings.

Challenges and Expert Opinions

Despite the promising nature of Project REBIRTH, experts have raised concerns regarding the potential challenges associated with implementing such a system. Jeff Edwards, a retired US Navy bombardier and aviation safety consultant, pointed out that the additional weight and complexity introduced by the airbag system could impact aircraft performance. He emphasised the need for a balanced approach, considering that the system aims to mitigate risks that may only manifest in rare accidents.

As the project moves forward, the engineers remain optimistic about overcoming these hurdles. They plan to refine the system further and address any technical challenges that may arise during testing phases.

Potential Recognition and Funding

Project REBIRTH has been submitted for consideration for the James Dyson Award 2025, which recognises innovative designs and solutions. Winning this award could not only bring significant visibility to the project but also provide £40,000 in prize money to fund further development. Previous winners have included groundbreaking projects like biomedical wearables and innovative transport solutions for wounded soldiers.

What Happens Next?

As the BITS Pilani team prepares to initiate full-scale testing, the future of Project REBIRTH hangs in anticipation. If successful, it could revolutionise passenger safety in aviation, providing peace of mind to travellers and airlines alike. The integration of AI and advanced materials into aviation safety systems may pave the way for a new era of flight safety innovations.

FAQs

What is Project REBIRTH?

Project REBIRTH is an AI-powered airplane crash survival system developed by engineers at BITS Pilani’s Dubai campus. It uses external airbags that inflate around the aircraft to reduce impact during crashes.

How does the airbag system work?

The airbag system activates automatically when a crash is imminent, deploying airbags from the aircraft's nose, belly, and tail within two seconds to cushion the impact and protect passengers.

What materials are used in the airbags?

The airbags are made from advanced materials such as Kevlar, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Zylon, and non-Newtonian smart fluids, which help absorb and dissipate crash forces.

How effective is the system?

Computer simulations indicate that Project REBIRTH can reduce crash impact by over 60%, significantly enhancing passenger safety during emergencies.

What inspired the creation of Project REBIRTH?

The project was inspired by a tragic Air India crash that highlighted the need for improved safety measures in aviation, motivating the engineers to create a solution that could save lives.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the potential for innovative safety systems like Project REBIRTH could revolutionise the way we think about air travel. What other advancements in aviation safety do you think are on the horizon? #AviationSafety #Innovation #Engineering