The apparatus has a primary flight data recorder 10, or black box, and a secondary flight data recorder 11 which receives and stores data from the primary recorder; the secondary recorder can be ejected from an aircraft, having a propulsion system to enable powered flight. Preferably, the secondary recorder is an unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, having an aerofoil shaped housing; a guidance system, with a gyroscope and GPS, to guide it to a selected destination, such as the nearest land location relative to the aircraft; and the propulsion system having an electric motor and one or more rotors or propellers. The primary recorder may continuously transmit flight data updates to a memory in the secondary recorder, either via a cable or wirelessly. The secondary recorder may be less than half the size or weight of the primary recorder containing a rechargeable battery; a location transmission system; and a camera for recording images after ejection. The secondary recorder may be ejected from the aircraft through a conduit using compressed air, the conduit having doors at each end which open when certain criteria are met, such as measured g-force being less than a threshold value.
Ejectable flight data recorder unit
2018-08-22
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT |
Ejectable flight data recorder systems, methods, and devices
Europäisches Patentamt | 2017
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