The Development of Air Cushion Restraint Systems for Small Car Front Seat Occupants

This paper presents progress, to date, on development and evaluation of three front seat airbag restraint systems for small cars. The subject vehicles were a Chevrolet Chevette, for which a passenger restraint system was developed, and a Dodge Omni, for which both driver and passenger systems were developed. The systems were primarily evolved during a series of sled tests and evaluated in vehicle barrier impacts.