Engineers Propose Crash-Proof Airplane with Giant Airbags

A groundbreaking concept for enhancing airplane safety has emerged from two engineers at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Dubai. Eshel Wasim and Dharsan Srinivasan propose a revolutionary design that utilizes gigantic airbags to make planes crash-proof. This innovative idea aims to transform “fatal crashes into survivable landings” by employing artificial intelligence (AI) to detect imminent emergencies.

The inspiration for this concept arose in the aftermath of the tragic Air India crash on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 260 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, bound for London Gatwick Airport. This devastating event left a profound impact on Wasim, whose mother struggled to cope with the fear experienced by passengers and pilots during such crises.

Project Rebirth, as the initiative is called, seeks to develop a system that combines smart airbags, impact-absorbing fluids, and reverse thrust to mitigate the effects of a crash. The duo submitted their proposal as part of the prestigious James Dyson Award competition, aiming to secure funding to bring their vision to life.

The Mechanics Behind the Concept

The engineers outline their strategy to focus on three critical areas that could make a crash-proof airplane a reality: cushioning impact, reducing descent speed, and absorbing energy during a crash. The proposed system would deploy external airbags that wrap around the nose, belly, and tail of the aircraft, providing an additional layer of protection.

Their AI technology would monitor various factors, including altitude, speed, engine status, and pilot responses. If the system determines that a crash is unavoidable below 3,000 feet, it will automatically activate the airbags, although pilots retain the ability to override the system if they choose.

While the concept presents an innovative approach to aviation safety, it is still in the conceptual stage, and questions remain regarding its technical feasibility. The national winners of the James Dyson Awards have already been announced, with a global winner set to receive a £30,000 prize later this year to help kick-start their project.

Insights from the Air India Crash Investigation

The preliminary investigation into the Air India crash unveiled critical findings that underscore the necessity for enhanced safety measures. Key details included a dual engine shutdown and confusion between pilots, as cockpit audio revealed one pilot questioning the fuel cut-off, while the other denied making the change. Furthermore, the ram air turbine (RAT), which serves as a backup power source, was deployed shortly before the crash.

Other findings from the investigation indicated that both pilots were medically fit and had been adequately rested before the flight. The aircraft was within weight limits, and there was no evidence of sabotage, although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had raised concerns about a known fuel switch vulnerability that had not been addressed by Air India.

As the aviation industry continues to seek innovative solutions for improving safety, projects like Project Rebirth illustrate the potential for technology to reshape the future of air travel. Whether this ambitious concept can materialize remains to be seen, but the dedication of young innovators like Wasim and Srinivasan offers hope for a safer flying experience.