Abstract: An improved hybrid airbag inflator comprises a container for storing a compressed gas having a rupturable wall defining an exit opening. A pyrotechnic gas generator has an output directed into the container for adding heat and mass flow to the compressed gas in the container. The pyrotechnic generator may also have a second output directed into a manifold leading from the container to the airbag, the second output entering the manifold downstream from the inlet nozzles that restrict the flow of compressed gas into the manifold. Adding the second output directly to the manifold increases the energy content of the gas filling the airbag without physically changing the size of the inlet nozzles, thereby allowing a readily controllable staged flow of gases into the airbag.