New energy absorption system for a wider weight range
Whether on landing, in turbulence, or in a crash, helicopter seats absorb a large portion of the impact energy and protect occupants from serious injuries. The protective effect requires the forces arising from sudden jolts to be absorbed as optimally as possible. However, traditional energy-absorption systems (E/A systems) perform optimally only within a very narrow weight range of about 77 kg.
AutoFlug and Fraunhofer IAPT have developed an energy-absorption system for a weight spectrum of roughly 40 to 100 kg and validated it in crash tests. Additively manufactured gyroidal rods absorb energy during hard landings.