Are the black boxes on the planes black?

2000/02/23 Elhuyar Zientzia

• Garraioak
• Aeronautika

In the 1950s yes, the black boxes of the planes were black. But since 1965 these boxes are oranges or yellow, as these colors look further. However, despite changing color, they have retained their name and the black box follows their name.

The current planes have two black boxes. One collects the data sent by 300 sensors distributed by plane. The other records radio broadcasts and interviews in the cockpit during the last 30 minutes of flight. Recordings are stored on computer support.

Black boxes are protected by stainless steel or titanium. Among the other characteristics can be cited, on the one hand, the quadruple of the acceleration generated by the gravitational force, which can withstand a temperature of 1.100 °C for 30 minutes and a water pressure to 6.000 m of depth. On the other hand, in case the plane falls to the sea, it emits radio waves of 37.5 kilohertz, which can also be detected at 4,000 m of depth. Although not mentioned so far, black boxes are located in the tail of the plane, which is the safest place.