Black Box (Aircraft Flight Recorder)

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Why in News?

In the Baramati aircraft crash in Maharashtra, the black box (Aircraft Flight Recorder) of the crashed trainer aircraft was recovered, enabling authorities to analyse flight parameters and cockpit audio to determine the cause of the accident.

Description:

What is a Black Box?

  • A black box is a crash-survivable flight recording system used in aircraft accident investigations.
  • Despite the name, it is painted bright orange for visibility in debris fields.

Components of a Black Box:

  1. Flight Data Recorder (FDR)
  2. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)

(Usually installed together in the aircraft’s rear fuselage/tail section.)

Flight Data Recorder (FDR):

  • Records key flight parameters: altitude, airspeed, heading, acceleration, engine and control data.
  • Recording duration: Minimum 25 hours.
  • Uses high-frequency sampling during critical flight phases.

Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR):

  • Records cockpit conversations, ATC communications and ambient sounds.
  • Recording duration: 2 hours (modern aircraft).
  • Operates on a continuous loop.

Core Technology:

  • Solid-state memory housed in a Crash Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU).
  • Titanium/stainless-steel casing with thermal insulation.
  • Withstands high impact, fire, deep-sea pressure and fluid immersion.

Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB):

  • Emits 37.5 kHz acoustic signals on water contact.
  • Battery life: ~30 days.

Significance in This Case:

  • Enables reconstruction of flight path, pilot actions and system failures.
  • Essential to identify training, operational or design lapses in trainer aircraft.

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