BMW Motorrad And Alpinestars Announce Collaboration On Airbag System Jacket

Typically,
MotoGP racers are first in line to test out any new airbag suits to
increase rider safety on the track. One of the most intuitive
designs to come out in the last decade is specialized integrated
airbag suits built-in to racing jackets.
In fact, this motorcycle gear is built to be lightweight while
riding around a track course, but can easily deploy a safety airbag
internally the second a driver is thrown off his or her ride. Many
motorcycle apparel companies are quickly developing new technology
to make racing safer.
According to a press release from the BMW Club of Motorcycle Owners
of America, both Alpinestars and BMW
Motorrad said they were working together on a new motorcycle jacket
infused with airbag technology. The piece of gear will use
Alpinestars' Tech-Air airbag system.
Tech-Air Independent Air Bag System

While the
Tech-Air system was the first self-contained airbag that could
function independently, the new suit will not need any sensors to
be installed on the airbag system or the motorcycle.
Essentially, riders will have a system that works the second its
purchased without any complicated setup required. The gear uses an
LED display on the sleeve to ensure the system is working and it
gives a visual to the rider as well.
The internal battery pack will stay charged for 25 hours and will
only need an hour of charging time per four hours of use. According
to the source, the sensor is able to know when a rider is about to
face impact within 30 to 60 milliseconds. The actual airbag,
however, will activate within 25 ms after impact is registered.
The main areas of protection for the Tech-Air gear will safeguard
shoulders, chest region, kidney areas and the rider's back. The
airbag will be available for male and female riders and can be used
or slotted inside specific Tech-Air jackets.