Black box is the incredible tool in aviation technology that is also called flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder which is used in every aircraft. By the virtue of one and a half decades experience in Indian Air Force in technical stream, I can simplify and share my knowledge about black-box without hampering the powerful security issues of Armed Forces. It is called black-box however it is painted with orange colour. It may be very much difficult to trace the black item during aircraft accident and therefore it is made with orange colour although it is called black-box. Generally it is fitted at tail side of the aircraft.
Recording Of Minute Detail
More than 90% of the data are recorded by the black-box. For instance, when aircraft takes off, it requires thrust which is initiated with extra fuel injection to engine so that adequate force can be created on turbine wheel for propulsive force. Whether the fuel injection occurs timely or there is considerable delay can also be recorded in the black-box. Since the headphones of the pilots are connected to each other and also to the air traffic control room, whole conversation is recorded.
Fireproof Solid Body Structure
The body of the black-box is made with special metals and sustains shocks of higher intensity. If the aircraft crashes in the water and if water touches to the circuits of the black-box, it can generate data even after 30 days.
The techniques and basics of black-box testing has unbelievable importance as minute details are recorded in the software. It does not get destroyed even the aircraft burns in ashes. Black box testing is used to test the system against external factors responsible for software failures.
It is the powerful technique in aviation as it focuses on the input that goes into software and the output is produced. The details such as code, server logic and development methods are covered and testing team researches, observes and gives result for the investigations based especially on external factors responsible for various events of failures.
Various Tests By Experts
Black box testing helps to find the gaps in functionality, usability, and other features. This form of testing gives an overview of software performance and its output. The accident or incidents take place in flying histories due to various reasons like poor visibilities, bird hit or CB clouds. Bird hits are so dangerous that when the bird strikes to the aircraft it immediately catches fire in spite of safety of fire resistance coating.
Recent Mishap
Black-box is one of the most important evidence for accessing the cause of mishap during the court of inquiry. I was reminded by this wonderful instrument after the gap of four decades of my active service in Indian Air Force when black-box of recent accident was recovered from the site of helicopter crash.
