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The Inflatable Tubular Structure (ITS) is a safety system intended to provide head protection during side-impact car accidents. The ITS is an inflatable device fixed at two points; at the front end, to the A-pillar, and at the aft end, to the roof rail behind the B-pillar. It is stowed over the side window under the trim of the A-pillar and the headliner. At one end, a gas generator is electrically connected to the side-impact crash-sensing system which inflates the ITS when needed. The ITS is fabricated in a unique way so that, upon inflation, its diameter greatly increases and its length correspondingly decreases. This causes the ITS to pull itself out of its stored location over the side window into a straight line between its anchor points. The ITS thereby forms a taut semi-rigid structural member across the window opening.

The Police Fleet Airbag Retrofit Program is briefly evaluated. Optimizing airbag performance and a comparison of large and small car performance are discussed. Bench front seat airbag protection is not a likely development because European car manufacturers (Mercedes and BMW) do not make bench seats. Cost reductions are possible due to simpler construction and large quantity production.