The History of Flight Data Recorders

The History of Flight Data Recorders video
The History of Flight Data Recorders video
Videos
July 31, 2017

The History of Flight Data Recorders

Flight Data Recorders - Transformation throughout History! Let's take a look at the transformation of this technology throughout history, and how Curtiss-Wright has stayed on top of these changes over time.

 

     

    Download the Fortress Flight Recorders Brochure

    Download the Brochure

    Related Products & Services

     
    Flight Data Recorders

    Compact, proven & future-ready flight recorders

    Flight Data Recorder Services  
    Flight Recorder Services

    Ensure ongoing serviceability, data analysis, replay hardware and software support, and ongoing training

    Meeting Recorder Regulations for Light Aircraft and Rotorcraft

    This white paper looks at the motivations behind introducing requirements for some form of flight recorders, what options are available, and discusses what may be the best choice.

    Video Transcript

    Flight Data Recorders: Transformation Throughout History

    Let's take a look at the transformation of this technology throughout history, and how Curtiss-Wright has stayed on top of these changes over time.

    1930 - Flight data recorder (FDR) technology starts being used in various forms.

    1954 - Australian Scientist, Dr. David Warren, invents the first "Black Box" while investigating the mysterious crash of the world's first jet-powered commercial aircraft.

    1955  - Professor William A. Penny and Mr. James A.Giles develop the first magnetic FDR.

    1957 - Penny and Giles invented the first aircraft accident recorder based on magnetic recording.

    1960 - As a result of the Munich air disaster in 1958, UK Ministry of Aviation mandates that all civil carriers be equipped with a "Black Box".

    1970 - Penny and Giles adds stainless steel taping, which yields 12 tracks and 25-hour recycling.

    1983 - Penny and Giles becomes the first to combine Cockpit Voice Recording (CVRs) and FDRs.

    1994 - Penny and Giles is the first to receive approval for solid-state combined voice and flight data recorders.

    2001 - Penny and Giles increases CVR and FDR recording capacity in a smaller, lighter more robust design.

    2002 - Curtiss-Wright acquires Penny and Giles and combined, the two companies have 60+ years of extensive knowledge in FDRs.

    2015 - The International Civil Aviation Organization introduces new recommendations for future FDR functionality.

    2016 - New Regulations require longer ULB transmission (30 to 90 days).

    2017 - Curtiss-Wright's latest FDR, Fortress, starts production.

     

    The Future of Flight Data Recorders

    Flight Data Recorders

    • Will become smaller and lighter.
    • See increased storage capacity.
    • Will eventually show real-time activity through satellites with physical units as backups

    Flight data recorders are orange for easy retrieval within wreckage sites, though the term "Black Box" was coined due to the cryptic functionality of the FDR.

    When the Vickers 739A Viscount crashed onto the Nürnberg-München highway in 1968 Mr. Penny retrieved the company's recorder and pieced all of the data together bit by bit.

    Testing

    Flight Data Recorders undergo extensive testing

    • Static Crush
    • Liquid Immersion
    • Crash Impact
    • Fire Protection
    • Piercing

    Common Detected Movements Measured on a Flight Data Recorder

    • Computer Failure
    • Altitude
    • Ice Detection
    • Positions
    • Vibration Levels
    • Cabin Pressure
    • Wind Speeds
    • Rotor Speed
    • Acceleration

    Flight Data Recorder Technology

    • Beacon
    • Encryption
    • Solid-State Memory
    • Recorder Chassis