Abstract: A buffer cartridge for absorbing energy having a hydraulic component coupled with an energy-absorbing material component, the hydraulic component having a cylinder-piston arrangement, the cylinder being surrounded by a stack of pads made from resilient energy-absorbing material, each pad being separated by a spacer. The free end of the piston emerging from the cylinder is connected to an intercoupling member which can simultaneously apply a force to both the piston and the stack of pads. A stretchable accumulator seal surrounds a piston rod within the cylinder and provides a sealing sliding path for the piston rod to isolate the moving portion of the piston rod from hydraulic fluid. The piston rod terminates in a piston having a piston hub encapsulated in resilient material and provided with orificed passageways for flow of fluid to both sides of the piston.