Automakers choose aerospace firm to run Takata airbag tests

WASHINGTON -- A consortium of 10 automakers formed to investigate the root cause behind Takata airbag inflator ruptures said today they have selected Orbital ATK to test the supplier's troubled inflators on their behalf.

Orbital ATK is an aerospace and defense contractor with expertise in rocket propulsion systems -- a factor that should aid the probe’s look into Takata’s use of ammonium nitrate as the propellant in its suspect airbag inflators. The propellant has seen heightened scrutiny amid probes into the root cause of the Takata inflator explosions.

Around 17 million vehicles in the U.S. have been recalled for airbag inflators, which can explode with too much force and spray vehicle occupants with metal shards. The defect has been linked to at least six deaths and dozens of injuries.

The automaker consortium includes Toyota, Honda, Fiat-Chrysler, BMW, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Nissan and General Motors. The group also selected David Kelly, a former acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as the project manager to oversee the joint testing effort.

Takata is the only airbag manufacturer to use the compound since it began using it as its principal inflator propellant in 1999. Former Takata employees and chemical experts have said the compound can break down when exposed to humidity and temperature swings over time, and, in turn, ignite with too much force.

“Orbital ATK is one of the world’s leading engineering firms, and we are confident that their extensive expertise will help speed and advance the ongoing technical investigation of Takata airbag inflators,” the group said in a joint statement.

“This selection, along with David Kelly, represents an important step forward in our industry-wide effort. We look forward to the results of this testing process as we continue to focus on the safety, security and peace of mind of our customers.”

Kelly was an acting NHTSA administrator in President George W. Bush’s administration.