What is Black Box in an aircraft, how does it work, and it’s significance in a crash investigation?

The Black Box, also referred to as a Flight Data Recorder, is a device that tracks every action of an airplane or other aircraft takes while in flight. Two black boxes are often located aboard an airplane, one in the front and another  towards the back.

Usually, an airplane has two black boxes located in the front and rear of the aircraft. These keep track of flight data and aid in the reconstruction of an aircraft crash’s sequence of events.

The Titanium material that makes up Black Box and the Titanium box that it will be contained  and give it  strength to survive any shock if it falls into the water or from a great height.

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The Black Box’s history.
A gadget that can provide information about the causes of plane accidents and might possible help in preventing accidents was thought to be necessary given the rising frequency of airplane crashes. Consequently, a black box was created. Earlier the box was red in colour and hence the name ‘Red Egg’. The inner walls of the box were black in colour, so it came to be known as a ‘Black Box’.

The Black Box has two separate boxes:

1. Flight Data Recorder: This device records data on direction, altitude, fuel consumption, speed, turbulence, cabin temperature, and other factors. It is possible to record roughly 88 of such values  around 25 hours. This container can endure temperatures of 260°C for ten hours and around 11000°C for one hour. These boxes are easily recognizable since they are either red or pink in colour.

A Red Air MD-82 crashed and caught fire at Miami International Airport.(Opens in a new browser tab)

2. Cockpit Voice Recorder: This device stores the last two hours’ amount of flight sound. In order to forecast the state of the plane before any accidents occurred, it records the sound of the engine, the emergency alarm, the cabin, and the cockpit.

China’s TP500 freight drone makes its maiden flight.(Opens in a new browser tab)

How does a Black Box Work ?
The Black Box is formed with solid metal, as it was previously stated. Without any electricity, it can function for 30 days. A temperature of 11,000 °C won’t affect it. If this box is lost somewhere, it will continue to beep and emit out waves for roughly 30 days.

The investigators can recognize this voice at a distance about 2-3 kilometers. The Black Box’s ability to emit waves from a depth of 14,000 feet in the water is a fascinating fact. Although a black box does not always provide a clear picture of a plane accident and in some uncontrolled circumstances it may be difficult to locate, one thing seems certain it is essential to investigate  plane crash.