Abstract: A containment impact protection system having a deployable barrier panel substantially covers the side windows of the vehicle when the system is deployed. A longitudinally disposed inflatable tube member is attached to the barrier panel at a location approximately halfway between the top and bottom of the windows. A tensioning device responsive to the inflation of the inflatable tube member produces a force deploying the barrier panel from a stored state to a deployed state. A longitudinal inflatable cushion is provided between the inflatable tube member and the bottom of the barrier panel.