Everything about the Airplane Black Box
- heliya erfani
- 23 hours ago
The black box of an aircraft is one of the most crucial tools on every flight, often used as a vital witness in critical situations. This device records flight information and cabin sounds, providing precise and complete data about the aircraft’s performance and location in the event of an accident. In other words, the black box acts as a storage medium for flight-related data that is invaluable for analyzing the causes of accidents and taking preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
In this article from flysepehran blog, we explore the black box’s importance and functionality, how it works during incidents, and its role in air accident analysis.
A flight recorder is a device that must be present on every aircraft. All flight data is recorded in the black box using a specific algorithm, ensuring that flight data is available to authorities when necessary. The black box plays a significant role in maintaining safety and analyzing accidents. This complex and valuable device is divided into two main parts:
During the flight, the flight data recorder records technical details such as speed, altitude, air pressure, G-force, and other flight parameters. In contrast, the cockpit voice recorder captures cabin sounds, communications, and engine noises.
First, it is necessary to understand the components of a black box:
It’s important to note how the black box is encased. To protect the collection of memory boards that store data, black boxes are coated with layers:
The black box is an electronic device that provides information on the causes of airline accidents when an aircraft crashes. Originally, the box was orange, and the term “black box” came into use due to the dark internal walls of the box. This term was first used during World War II when British forces secretly placed navigation and radar devices in these “black boxes,” which are now known as “flight data recorders.”
According to various accounts, after a plane crash, the only item that survived was the black box, which led to the widespread use of this term. Over time, in the 1960s, experts decided to apply black boxes to airplanes, continuously working on expanding and updating this technology. SSD boards and tapes are used inside these boxes to better store flight information.
A black box that can provide information on airline accidents and potentially help prevent further incidents is considered an indispensable part of any aircraft.
The black box plays a significant role in determining the causes of aviation accidents and finding ways to prevent them. The first use of this device dates back to 1947. From 1958 onward, following regulations set by the Civil Aviation Board, the installation of black boxes became mandatory on aircraft. The black box records various data and communications related to the aircraft, and due to its strong design, it is protected even in the harshest conditions. Modern passenger aircraft black boxes can send signals underwater for up to 90 days. These boxes weigh around 5 kg, and when they come into contact with water, they activate and start emitting signals, which search teams can detect even underwater.
Pilots’ conversations are recorded in the black box, allowing investigators to listen to their last communications. However, not all black boxes have this feature. Some only record aircraft performance data, while others record both data types.
Black boxes are designed to withstand the least amount of damage during accidents. These boxes are so sturdy that they can maintain their structure for a specified time, even at temperatures of 1100°C. This durability enables the aviation industry to investigate the causes of airplane crashes and find solutions to prevent similar accidents.
Black boxes undergo multiple safety tests before being installed on aircraft. Only those that pass these tests successfully are installed in aircraft. While the black box is not a new device, it still operates based on its original principles. This device records the last two hours of cockpit conversations and the last 25 hours of flight data.
Considering the black box’s flexibility and safety, you may wonder what material it is made of.
The black box is made of strong metal and can function for up to 30 days without power. Its highest temperature can withstand is 1100°C. If lost, it continues emitting signals and beeping for about 30 days. Researchers can detect this sound from approximately 2 to 3 kilometres.
An interesting feature of the black box is that it can send signals from depths of up to 14,000 feet underwater. Although the black box does not always provide a clear picture of an aircraft disaster, and its location can sometimes be challenging to determine in non-deliberate circumstances, it is an essential tool for aircraft. It plays the primary role in investigating the conditions during an aircraft crash, helping determine the cause of the incident.
Contrary to popular belief, the black box is installed at the rear of the aircraft. This decision is made for specific security and protective reasons.
During aviation accidents, the front parts of the aircraft, such as the nose or cockpit, are usually the first to suffer severe damage and destruction. Therefore, the plane’s rear section, which is less vulnerable than the front parts, is considered a better location for the black box. This placement reduces the chances of damage to the black box in the event of a crash and ensures the preservation and retrieval of essential flight data. Placing the black box at the rear of the aircraft increases the chances of recovering vital information in critical situations, contributing to more accurate accident analysis and improved flight safety.
In conclusion, the black box is invaluable for maintaining safety and improving aviation standards. This device records vital information about the aircraft’s performance and flight crew communications, helping investigators identify and analyze the causes of accidents. With its sturdy design and ability to send signals underwater, the black box ensures that essential data is available after an accident and leads to thorough investigations. These features help the aviation industry use this information to prevent similar accidents in the future and improve flight safety.
