The Antares is an entirely new design, and thus it was possible to prioritize safety during all phases of the design process. Passive as well as active safety systems are key components of the integrated concept.
The Cockpit
The high landing gear both realizes an optimal angle of attack while on the runway, and maximizes the amount of anergy which can be absorbed during a crash.
In addition to providing comfortable suspension, the Antares landing gear has been designed to containin energy absorption elements (to be introduced in the series and retrofitted in existing aircraft in the immediate future). These elements regulate impact forces by controlled deformation. This is an important protection device against spinal injuries, the common result of a stalled landing.
It is a lot better to avoid getting into trouble in the first place than to have a lot of features which reduce the penalties of being in trouble. With this in mind, the entire layout of Antares was developed:
- The easy handling of the propulsion system with its unique, patented single-lever operation. Error messages and warnings are given optically and acoustically
- A very large cockpit canopy combined with a diagonally moving seat bottom which results in a very good all round visibility also for smaller pilots
- An ergonomic cockpit, which reduces lapse in concentration due to discomfort and fatigue
Antares: A new level of safety