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ALPINESTARS LAUNCHES TECH-AIR® 7X AIRBAG SYSTEM: GENERATION NEXT
ENGINEERED FOR ROAD RACING AND SPORT RIDING PROTECTION
CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS, AUSTIN, TEXAS
TECH-AIR® 7X AIRBAG SYSTEM COVERAGE AND RIDER PROTECTION
Specifically developed for road racing, track day use, and performance road riding, the FIM-homologated, Tech-Air® 7x is derived from Alpinestars’ proven MotoGP Airbag technology, where over 50% of MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 riders are protected by Tech-Air® Airbag Systems. The fully autonomous, self-contained Tech-Air® 7x features a streamlined, low profile, and highly ventilated Airbag System. Tech-Air® 7x provides comprehensive upper body protection by covering riders’ shoulders, chest, and full back. The integrated back protector is extended in length for additional protection of the coccyx.
The Tech-Air® 7x can be used as a Standalone System to be worn under a leather suit or jacket that has sufficient space to accommodate the inflation of the airbag, or it can be worn as an Integrated System within a Tech-Air® compatible suit or jacket. In addition, the Tech-Air® 7x features extensive perforations and has a ventilation system constructed with a ribbed treatment and interior air channels that ensure enhanced breathability and airflow.
Activating the Tech-Air® 7x is easy; simply close the Front Flap, and an internal magnetic switch will detect the Front Flap is closed and automatically turn on and activate the Airbag System. Opening the Front Flap will automatically deactivate and turn off the System.
AI TECHNOLOGY AND CRASH MONITORING PERFORMANCE
The state-of-the-art, wearable Tech-Air® 7x Airbag System comes with an active electronic system that features twelve integrated sensors: 3 triaxial accelerometers and 1 triaxial gyroscope. These sensors monitor the rider’s body for shocks or unexpected movements and communicate with the System’s computer, sending data inputs every millisecond, or a thousand times per second. Developed through years of research in collaboration with the world’s leading professional racers and Alpinestars’ customers riding with Tech-Air® Systems, our team has analyzed riding data from millions of miles and thousands of crashes to continuously enhance the System’s intelligent crash detection algorithms.
Upon the identification of a crash situation, the algorithm will trigger the deployment of the protective Airbag, providing unrivaled protection to the rider or the passenger wearing the System (with a maximum inflation time of 44ms, depending on the volume of the airbag size). The impact absorption while wearing the Airbag when inflated, results in a decrease of the impact force by up to 90% compared to a passive CE Level 1 protector (EN 1621-2:2014).
TECH-AIR® 7X RIDING MODES: RACE AND STREET
The Tech-Air® 7x System comes pre-loaded with two different Riding Modes: RACE Mode for riding on racetracks and STREET Mode for street and light off-road riding. Each Riding Mode offers an optimized riding algorithm, allowing the System to detect an imminent impact and deploy the protective airbag in crash situations. Users can easily switch between Race and Street Riding Modes by simply using the Tech-Air® App.
DUAL DEPLOYMENT AND EASY GAS INFLATOR REPLACEMENT
The Tech-Air® 7x features dual charge capability, which means that the System provides two separate Airbag deployments. A quick-release cover opening allows for rapid gas inflator replacement by users (where local regulations allow). In addition, the bladder is certified for up to four individual deployments before requiring service.
TECH-AIR® 7X OFFERS VERSATILITY
The System can be worn as a Standalone System under a protective suit or jacket, or as an Integrated System within a leather racing suit or jacket. When worn as an Integrated System with a Tech-Air® Compatible Alpinestars leather suit or jacket, riders can easily check the System’s operational status, the battery status, and the number of available inflators remaining by looking at the LED located on the left sleeve of the garment.
TECH-AIR® APP AND SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATES
When it comes to other features, the Tech-Air® 7x is Bluetooth enabled, allowing riders to easily update their System via the free Tech-Air® App when new releases of the System’s software with new crash-detection algorithms become available. Offering a wide variety of functionalities, the App provides riders with the ability to check the System’s operational status, and battery life, consult the User Manual, and record their rides on an enhanced Google map with MyRide, subject to network coverage.
Regarding battery life, a fully charged battery will provide the System with approximately 20 hours of active ride time. The Front Flap features an integrated charging port for convenient and easy charging of the System. Additionally, an integrated LED display is positioned on the Front Flap and indicates the System’s operational status, battery status, and the number of available inflators remaining.
PROTECTION
The Tech-Air® 7x is compatible with all FIM Grand Prix Requirements for Airbag Systems, making it suitable for road racing competitions.
This Airbag System is certified as a Category || PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) under European Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Certifications of the Airbag System that are covered by Dolomiticert’s guidelines for inflatable protectors with electronic activation:
- Airbag System Central Back inflatable protector, Level 2, EN 1621-4:2018
- STREET and RACE Algorithms performance
Additional Tech-Air® 7x Certifications:
- Protective garment, Class C, EN 17092-6:2020
- Integrated Passive Central Back, Level 1, EN 1621-2:2014
- Tech-Air® 7x is certified as an undergarment, to be used in combination with and under a protective garment.
