Story ID: 016CompRefurbUpdateSept2013EditedByAY_NM.doc
Latitude Gets Inflatable Pax Protection
By: AIN Staff
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Word Count: 190
Cessna has selected the side-facing, inflating passenger protection system from Aviation Occupant Safety (AOS) as standard for the two-place, side-facing seat configuration in the new Citation Latitude. Cessna is the first OEM to offer the system.

The inflatable restraint system was introduced at the NBAA Convention last year. Aviation Occupant Safety of Creedmoor, N.C., is a joint venture of two global safety restraint industry leaders: Aircraft Belts, also in Creedmoor, N.C., and Key Safety Systems of Sterling Heights, Mich.

Along with the upper torso inflatable airbags (similar to side airbags in a car), the system will feature AOS’s proprietary package created to minimize injuries due to “leg flail.”

Leg flail afflicts passengers seated laterally during impact and can cause serious injuries, explained AOS director David Devine. In addition to the leg restraints, the system in the Latitude will include lateral head-restraint airbag protection for the passenger seated next to the bulkhead.

AOS’s product line integrates enhanced body protection into seat frames, airframes and cabin furnishings. The power source can be a closed loop or aircraft power.