How can we make General Aviation safer? Some cool things have emerged in recent years, like ballistic parachutes, but we still want more peace of mind when flying light aircraft. I propose building an ejectable modular reinforced cockpit, equipped with a parachute AND large external airbags. Different aircraft models can then be built around it.
Current safety systems
General aviation these days mostly relies on active safety: rigorous pilot training, thorough aircraft inspections and maintenance, regular engine overhauls. As far as passive systems go, ballistic parachute airframe rescue system is a major innovation: it can lower the whole aircraft to the ground, without the need for occupants to bail out. Being ballistic, it works at lower altitudes than an ordinary parachute, but still requires some height to be effective. It therefore does not cover the incidents that occur near the ground, such as during takeoff and landing (which represent a large proportion of air crashes).
The idea
I suggest designing a cockpit as a standalone module that could then “click” into compatible airframes. It should have a sturdy, meticulously engineered construction, and be equipped with the following safety features:
- An ejection mechanism. It doesn’t have to be (or rather, has to not be) as powerful as military ejection seats. Just gently lift the cockpit out of the airframe and let the other safety features take over.
- A ballistic parachute. It doesn’t need to be as large or deploy as quickly as the ones used for whole-airframe rescue systems. If deployed at sufficient altitude, it will gently lower the cockpit to the ground.
- External airbags. These need to be large, and wrap around most of the cockpit, but don’t need to deploy as fast as automotive airbags. These airbags will provide for a more comfortable landing if descending on parachute, and soften the impact if deployed close to the ground.
- Internal airbags. A gentler version of automotive airbags to cushion impacts inside the cockpit.
If the system is activated at high altitude, the parachute will deploy and pull the cockpit out (with assistance from the ejection mechanism). When approaching the ground, airbags can be deployed to soften the landing.
If activated near the ground, the ejection mechanism will push the cockpit out, and airbags will deploy, turning the cockpit module into a kind of Zorb.
Disadvantages
Let’s start with those, because they are so obvious.
- Increased weight
Of course, this will add a lot of weight. But, if engineered well, it can be manageable. It’s also a fun kind of challenge!
Many people will be prepared to sacrifice some range, performance and useful load for peace of mind.
Besides, some of the weight limitations are regulatory: it’s not about making the aircraft fly, but about making it fit into a particular category. - Increased complexity
Indeed. This design is a little ambitious and future-oriented, requiring high-tech solutions (advanced materials, precision engineering, fly-by-wire controls). Once again, a fun engineering challenge!
And in the long run, economies of scale will make this look as ordinary as many other technological marvels we’re using on a daily basis. - Design restrictions
That’s right, having to accommodate a cockpit of certain size and shape puts restrictions on airframe design. But I’m not suggesting ALL future aicraft use it. It’s not so much a restriction, but an opportunity.
We don’t hear a lot of people complaining about most ultralights and LSA using a Rotax 912. Why not also treat the cockpit as an off-the-shelf module available to use in your design?
Besides, some degree of restriction is not necessarily a bad thing for creativity. American cars of the 1950s looked great (that’s probably an understatement), but not everyone knows that all makes and models used identical, modular headlights (available in 2 sizes) – because that was the law. A bizarre restriction, but car designers made it work!
Challenges
- Airbag development is not easy. The airbags need to deploy quickly enough, but not violently. They need to be large, and withstand high wind speeds.
- Ejection mechanism needs to be carefully engineered. It needs to push the cockpit clear of the plane reliably and quickly, without injuring the occupants in the process.
- Size and shape need to be carefully thought out in order to make the cockpit usable in a wide range of airframe designs.
- Controls will be tricky to implement in a detachable cockpit. Fly-by-wire may be an option.
Rewards
- Survivability improvement across a wide range of possible incidents, including the tricky takeoff/landing situations.
- Peace of mind for prospective pilots, welcoming more people into aviation.
- Regulatory pressure may subside (if authorities cooperate) if aircraft become inherently safer.
Submitted by: Ilia Leikin
Hashtags: #GeneralAviation #Safety
Looking for: startup or established company to consider this idea
I can: not much beyond brainstorming…
Status: newly submitted
