Partenon and Alpinestars equip the Guardia Civil Traffic Division with the new Tech-Air® 3 V.2 Airbag

At Partenon, we continue to strengthen our commitment to those who safeguard public safety: we have been awarded the contract to supply 2,899 airbag systems to Spain’s Guardia Civil Traffic Division, equipping one of the country’s most operationally demanding motorcycle units with protection at the highest level.

This achievement stems from our strategic alliance with Alpinestars, the globally recognised manufacturer of premium road and competition motorcycle equipment.

Partenon and Alpinestars: excellence in technical uniform solutions

When equipping traffic and emergency units, the challenge is to strike the right balance between maximum impact protection and the freedom of movement required for long operational shifts. The solution selected for the Guardia Civil is the Tech-Air® 3 V.2 Airbag.

The next evolution in protection: Tech-Air® 3 V.2 Airbag

Equipping an organisation with the scale and operational demands of the Guardia Civil Traffic Division requires solutions that do more than protect: they must also enhance day-to-day operational capability. The awarded model is the new Tech-Air® 3 V.2 Airbag, a redesigned version that introduces improvements specifically aimed at increasing operational efficiency and simplifying management for uniform procurement and logistics teams.

Operational improvements in the V.2 version

For uniform and apparel managers, durability and maintenance are as important as operational performance. In this respect, the V.2 upgrades stand out for incorporating two core technical improvements designed to significantly reduce logistics costs and downtime.

First, the new model delivers a longer service life thanks to a substantial optimisation of its technical architecture, allowing the airbag bladder to withstand up to six deployments before full replacement is required. This represents a significant saving in resources and improves lifecycle value.

Second, the system has been redesigned to enable fast canister replacement. The inflator cartridge – the central pyrotechnic component – can now be replaced through a much simpler and more intuitive process. This technical evolution is particularly valuable in the day-to-day work of traffic units, as it minimises airbag downtime and ensures officers can return their protective equipment to service in the shortest possible time.

Technical features: construction and protection in detail

The design of the Tech-Air® 3 V.2 reflects best practice in the development of high-performance technical uniforms, combining two core strengths: ergonomic construction and certified protection.

Practical, durable and comfortable design

• Ergonomics and adaptability: the system features a water-resistant main chassis and a packable, compact design, making it easy to store in a backpack or under the motorcycle seat when not in use.
• Smart closures: it incorporates a zip fastening that provides full chest coverage while concealing the internal airbag. This is complemented by an external fastening and an internal magnetic button for quick and secure donning.
• Comfort and ventilation: to accommodate airbag expansion during an impact without compromising comfort, the system includes strategically positioned stretch panels on both sides of the abdomen. In addition, the back area is lined internally with 3D mesh to improve ventilation, support moisture management, and enhance comfort and fit during use.
• Optimised maintenance: the cartridge housing, ECU electronic wiring and the airbag itself are easily removable. This allows the vest’s outer garment to be washed, a major advantage for hygiene and routine maintenance in daily law enforcement use.

Protection: certification and reliability in extreme conditions

• Top-level certification: it meets the most demanding European requirements, providing full chest and back protection with CE Category II certification. The vest is also intended for certification under UNE-EN 17092-6:2020, Protective garments for motorcycle riders. Part 6: Class C garments.
• Guaranteed performance: once deployed, the system provides sustained impact-protection performance for no less than five seconds, covering the most critical phase of any accident.
• Weather resistance (sealed ECU): the electronic control unit features sealed protection to ensure reliable operation in all weather conditions. It is certified to operate across extreme temperature ranges from -20 °C to +40 °C.
• Safe inflator cartridge: it uses a CE-certified argon inflator cartridge, supporting the highest standards for handling, storage and maintenance.

Partenon and Alpinestars: a partnership for safety

By combining Partenon’s experience in the design, manufacture and logistics of law enforcement apparel with Alpinestars’ cutting-edge technology, we are able to deliver a benchmark solution for the institutional B2B market. This award for nearly 3,000 units not only validates the quality of the Tech-Air® 3 V.2, but also reinforces the confidence that leading Spanish law enforcement agencies place in our delivery capability.

Our direction is clear: to continue integrating innovation, technology and advanced technical materials so that the professionals responsible for public safety always have access to the highest level of protection.

Do you manage technical uniform procurement for a police force or emergency service?

At Partenon, we specialise in high-performance apparel solutions that are scalable and aligned with the most demanding standards. Contact our technical advisory team to find out how we can enhance safety and comfort across your workforce.