Range Rover P38
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM
11
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
1. Housing
2. Nylon airbag
3. Steering wheel pad
4. Squib
5. Electrical connector
6. Igniter charge
7. Sodium Azide pellets
When a deployment signal has been received at the
airbag module, the squib initiates combustion of the
igniter charge. The igniter charge burns rapidly and
produces sufficient heat to cause the gas generant
pellets to burn and so produce a large quantity of
nitrogen gas which is routed to the folded nylon
airbag. The force of the inflating airbag causes the
steering wheel polyurethane centre pad to split at
deliberately weakened break points, and expands to
form a protective cushion between the driver and the
steering wheel/ windscreen.
The fully inflated airbag has a capacity of 4.5 litres.
Once the airbag is fully inflated, vents in the airbag
prevent further pressure build-up, so that progressive
deceleration is provided as the driver contacts the
cushion.