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A new concept in aviation safety aims to reduce fatalities in aircraft crashes through the use of external airbags and automated response systems. Developed under the name Project REBIRTH, the system is designed to activate in the final seconds before an unavoidable crash, potentially reducing the force of impact and aiding rescue efforts.
At its core, the system integrates onboard sensors and AI software to continuously monitor key flight parameters such as altitude, engine performance, speed, and aircraft orientation. If a crash is detected below 3,000 feet, the system autonomously deploys large airbags from the nose, tail, and undercarriage of the plane. These airbags are constructed from materials including Kevlar, TPU, Zylon, and non-Newtonian fluids to maximize energy absorption.
In scenarios where engines are still operational, the system can trigger reverse thrust to decelerate the aircraft. If both engines fail, onboard gas thrusters are used to reduce descent speed and maintain stability. Once the aircraft has come to a stop, the system activates location beacons, GPS signals, and high-visibility markers to assist emergency responders.
Project REBIRTH has so far been tested using a 1:12 scale prototype. The model incorporates microcontrollers, sensors and CO₂ canisters, which simulate the sequence of actions during a crash scenario. Simulations conducted by the engineering team suggest that the system could reduce impact forces by more than 60%, according to the press release.
The designers intend for the system to be compatible with both new and retrofitted aircraft, and they are preparing for full-scale testing in collaboration with aviation labs and manufacturers. Wind tunnel experiments and crash simulations are expected to follow.
Despite the potential, experts note that such systems introduce additional weight and complexity to aircraft design. This raises questions about trade-offs in efficiency and cost for events that, while catastrophic, remain statistically rare.
Project REBIRTH is currently a contender for the James Dyson Award 2025, which recognizes breakthrough engineering solutions. Whether it becomes part of future aircraft safety systems remains to be seen, but the concept reflects a growing interest in integrating AI with physical crash-mitigation technology.
