Technical Info
	Technical Specifications   Mono System Dual System 5 cubic ft air bag 2 x 2.5 cubic ft air bag(s)  Total weight approx. 4 lbs approx. 3.4 lbs Cartridge approx. 13.5 oz approx. 13.5 oz Airbag material polyamide fibre  PUR inner lining  pressure in use 2.1 psi Bursting pressure rated at double the usage pressure  outer material polyamide fibre inner material PVC bag pressure in use 2.1 psi Bursting pressure rated at double the usage pressure Activation Bowden-Pulley with automatic spring loaded trigger handle air pressure activation with pressured capsule in the trigger Filling procedure In approx. 1 second about 2.8 cubic ft of the gas-air mix is being forced into the two airbags.  In another 1.5 seconds an additional 2.4 cubic ft will be filled (depending on the outside temperature) Cartridges The nitrogen gas cartridges are made with a special aluminum alloy. They consist of two parts, connected with a glued thread. Spring loaded, inlaid copper discs form the closure and facilitate the refilling. The fill pressure is 5076 psi, usage pressure 4351 psi and the bursting pressure starts at 8702 psi TESTS, CERTIFICATIONS AND TRANSPORTING   TESTS:  To date two separate tests have been performed on the AA one in 1995 and another in 2000/2001.  Both tests were done by The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos, a world renowned avalanche research center.  Although we support these tests we feel they only confirm what real world use has already proven.  The ultimate tests are the real people in real avalanches that have used the AA.  The 99% survival rating in real world use proves that the AA functions as it was designed.   TÜV & CE Labels:  Within the European Community the Dual System (two airbags) and the Compact System (mono airbag) both integrated into backpacks are considered "personal safety equipment" for the prevention of avalanche burial. In order to carry the CE label, an EC conformity certificate, the product requires a positive test result by an authorized inspection agency. The AA-Systems and - backpacks have undergone tests by the TÜV Product Service, and therefore are in compliance with the EC standards and carry the CE label. Air Transport Regulations:  Effective Jan 2003 it is officially permitted by the IATA organization to take your AA pack with you when you travel by air worldwide. As far as we know all European airlines transport the AA without a problem. American airlines tend to limit the transportation of the AA. Please check with your airline before you book your flight.   Test Data The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos, a world renowned avalanche research center, played a leading role in the tests with the Avalanche Airbag System. The center also receives and compiles the information on all actual cases. "Currently out of the proven technical devices, the avalanche airbag provides the greatest chances of survival in an avalanche incident. However, despite all positive developments and modern technical devices, one must never tolerate any avalanche incident - if only because of the enormous risk of severe injury." (Swiss Federal Institute for Avalanche Research)   In March of 1995 tests conducted by the ELSF generated the following data: Tests were done using dummies (mannequins, not dumb people).  These were fixed with ABS systems that could be triggered remotely. fracture line - co-ordinates 795 140 / 185 260 2,800m above sea level - northern exposure - 110 m long - height 0.10 - 0.93 m averaging approx. 0.5 m - approx. 45º steepness - approx. 1,500 m³ Legend: 1 A to 7 A dummies with Avalanche Airbags 1 B to 7 B Dummies without Avalanche Airbags 20 - 250 measured depth of avalanche debris GENERAL OVERVIEW OF TEST every single inflated airbag was visible on the surface of the avalanche. 1 avalanche airbag wasn’t inflated (technical problem with the trigger system), the dummy, however, was still only partially buried. hip belt on 1 AA backpack was half torn off. Some dummies with inflated airbags were totally buried (head under the snow) and were lying on their stomachs under the airbags. The airbags were visible on the surface. With the exception of the dummy wearing the only half inflated airbag all other dummies floated further down the avalanche than those without the AA.   During the winter of 2000/2001 another test was performed.  The results being virtually identical to the one done in 1995. All test dummies with AA packs were visible on top of the snow. Both the dual and mono airbags performed identically.