Why the 'Black Box' Is Actually Orange – And How It Saves Lives | Read

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: After the recent aircraft accident in Ahmedabad, investigating agencies have completed the search for the black box and digital video recorder (DVR). Both these pieces of equipment prove to be very helpful in investigating the causes of the accident. Let us understand how these technical instruments work and why they are considered the 'key' to aircraft safety.

Black Box: Aircraft's 'Memory'

The concept of the black box was first introduced in 1953 by Australian scientist David Warren. At that time, he investigated accidents of the world's first commercial jet airliner, the Comet. Warren realized that if the conversation and voices of the cockpit were recorded, it would be easy to reach the real causes of accidents. In 1956, he also prepared the first prototype of the black box.

What Really Happens Inside a Black Box?

The black box is actually a combination of two different devices—the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the flight data recorder (FDR).

CVR: It records the pilot's interaction, engine voice, and radio transmission.

FDR: It records data related to the speed, height, direction, thrust, and sensors of the aircraft.

According to the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an animated simulation of the situation just before the accident can be prepared through these data, which gives a decisive direction to the investigation.

Black box is not black, it is orange

Even though it is called the 'black' box, it is usually bright orange in color to identify it easily in debris. The word 'black box' is related to technical terminology in which the process inside a system is invisible, but its output is significant.

Why is this device so strong?

The black box is specifically designed to bear excessive temperature, deep-sea pressure, and acute collision. It is made of titanium or stainless steel. It is usually placed in the tail of the aircraft, as this part is the least damaged in accidents.

In the event of falling into the water, the beacon in the black box becomes active and can also send a signal from a depth of about 14,000 feet.

There are also limits

Although there are many important clues from the black box many times, it is not 100% reliable every time. Recently, Jeju Air, from Bangkok to South Korea, was a victim of a flight accident. The black box was found in it, but the important information of the last moments was deleted.

DVR: Aircraft's 'Video Witness'

Apart from the black box, another important device is a digital video recorder (DVR). It acts like a CCTV system and passes the activities of the passenger cabin as well as external scenes of the aircraft.

After the accident, the DVR's video footage can be used to know the position of the passengers and crew inside the aircraft, whether there was any explosion or fire, and what the response was.

Hope to get important clues

The investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash is expected to get important clues from the black box and DVR. These devices not only help to find out the technical causes of the accident but also play a decisive role towards making future flights more secure.