Collins Aerospace has for some time worked on accessible aviation solutions, notably teaming with students at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to redesign a closet on twinjets like the Boeing 737-800 to enable a passenger to remain in their wheelchair in-flight. Now the RTX subsidiary says it plans to unveil a “cabin solution for onboard wheelchair accommodation” next week at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany.
“The Collins product,” says the aircraft interiors giant, “is compatible with most WC19 and ISO 7176-19 transport-certified powered wheelchair devices, allowing passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) an inflight experience more equivalent to” that of non-wheelchair users.
“Implementation involves installation of a restraint system at the front of a narrowbody aircraft to accommodate a wheelchair user. Restraining the wheelchair in place is simple and can easily be carried out by on-board crews without requiring assistance from maintenance staff,” it says.
Runway Girl Network immediately sought comment from Collins, including asking if this innovation is based on the work that Collins conducted with NIAR students at Wichita State University, if Collins is using a Q’Straint restraint system for securement, and if any headway has been made on the supplemental type certification front?
A Collins spokesman replied stating: “We’re actually withholding sharing any further information until the show, including images.”
Collins does, however, point to NIAR research in its published press release, saying: “In recent tests at the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) the boarding process with the Collins solution was shown to be akin to the average ground transportation experience — harmonizing the air travel experience with the typical accommodations found in other modes of transportation.”
It adds that: “Installation of the Collins solution involves an integrated restraint system and seat belt attachments securing both wheelchair and passenger. The restraint system is stowed when not in use. The Collins solution utilizes unused space and does not require seat removal or modification, maintaining a consistent experience for all passengers and allowing airlines to operate with existing densities.”
It is not the only onboard wheelchair restraint solution under development. A product called Air4All, which wowed AIX attendees last year, enables powered wheelchair users to remain in their own mobility devices, including on board, by converting a standard passenger seat to an accommodation for a wheelchair restraint system.
Delta Flight Products is a key partner, taking Air4All through development. RGN contributor Jason Rabinowitz recently shared an update on that work, saying on the social media platform X: “Since we saw the Delta Flight Products PRM Seat Prototype at AIX last year, Delta says the project remains on track for Technical Standard Orders this year. FAA TSO grants design and manufacture authority, but not quite certification to install on an aircraft.”
For its part, Collins seems equally keen to offer a solution for wheelchair users. Cynthia Muklevicz, vice president of customer and business development for Collins Aerospace, says in a statement this morning: “Enabling motorized wheelchair users to remain in their chair is imperative to providing a more equitable and dignified air travel experience to the millions of people who rely on personal mobility devices in their everyday lives.
“Innovating solutions that enhance the inflight and cabin experience is fundamental to the mission of Collins. We’re confident this certifiable solution [based on current regulations and future modifications] will help eliminate barriers, opening greater possibilities to a wider population to more conveniently experience the excitement and necessity of air travel.”
At present, expensive powered wheelchairs are transported in the cargo hold, while their owners travel in the cabin. This is a high-risk solution for both the passenger and their chair, which acts as their legs. (The Air Carrier Access Act in the US currently requires airlines to provide a place to store a collapsible manual wheelchair in the cabin…it is a smallish space, just for the foldable chair, not its occupant.)
We look forward to learning more about Collins’ innovation at AIX.
Related Articles:
- Delta Flight Products partners to take Air4All through development
- NIAR students and Collins propose wheelchair-in-the-cabin solution
- Two accessible lav options to be offered on 737 MAX: Collins Aerospace
- Air4All wheelchair seat space wows with simplicity and elegance
- Design enables wheelchairs in cabins without reducing seats
- Award-winning student design offers a new take on accessible cabins
Featured image credited to istock.com/YakobchukOlena
