Three minutes to talk about popular science
The black box on the plane, this mysterious thing is actually one of the most critical technologies in aviation safety. You might be wondering, what the hell is this black box? Is it really a box? Today we will talk about it and unveil the mystery of the black box.
First of all, I want to say a point that many people misunderstand: although the black box has "black" in its name, it is not black, but usually a striking orange color, which makes it easier to spot at the scene of an accident. It consists of two main parts: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The main function of these two devices is to provide important data required for accident investigation in the event of an aircraft accident.
Let's start with flight data recorders (FDRs). This device records the flight parameters of the aircraft, such as speed, altitude, heading, and the status of the flight control system. This data is usually recorded at a frequency of several times per second, dating back to a few minutes before the plane takes off. These records are critical to accident investigations because they help investigators reconstruct the pre-accident flight conditions and understand the mechanical performance of the aircraft and the pilot's operations.
This is followed by the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The device records all sounds in the cockpit, including conversations between pilots, communications with air traffic control, and even mechanical and siren sounds. These recordings often help investigators understand the pilot's reactions and decisions in times of crisis, as well as any unusual noises inside the aircraft.
These may not sound complicated, but the real magic of the black box is how it is designed and how it works. Do you know? It is almost impossible to destroy. The black box is made of extremely strong materials that are able to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and shocks. Whether it is a high-altitude fall or a deep-sea sunk, it has a high probability of remaining intact to ensure that the recorded data will not be lost.
So, how do these black boxes work? In fact, it is like a recorder that is constantly running, from the time the plane takes off to the time it lands, it is constantly collecting and storing data. This data is essential for understanding the causes of aircraft accidents. In the unfortunate event of an accident, investigators find the black box as quickly as possible and bring it back to the lab for data** and analysis, through specialized equipment and software, investigators can reconstruct the flight path, analyze the pilot's operation and the performance of the aircraft, thus finding out the cause of the accident and learning lessons from it to improve aviation safety.
Another interesting detail is that although we call it a "black box", it actually contains highly advanced electronic devices. Not only does it have a memory module, but it also has a signal transmitter for locating aids, which automatically activates after a severe impact and sends out a signal to help the search team locate the black box, even when underwater. When it comes to data logging, black boxes typically use solid-state storage technology, which is more reliable and durable than traditional tapes, and on some modern aircraft, the black box is even able to transmit some key data in real time via satellite, a feature that is especially important in the event of a loss of contact.
After learning about the black box, it can be found that it plays a vital role in aviation accident investigation. It may go unnoticed, but it provides critical clues to solving mysteries at critical moments, as well as valuable data and insights for improving aircraft safety and pilot training. With the development of technology, the functionality and efficiency of black boxes are also increasing, making a significant contribution to aviation safety. Of course, we all hope that it won't be used one day.
So, do you still have any questions about the black box?