As you know, “black boxes (flight data recorders)” are the biggest witnesses of plane crashes. Thanks to the sensors that detect the changes during the flight, these transmitters, which become active after the accident, transmit signals for 30 days and are detected by international search-and-rescue satellites; thus allowing the location of the aircraft to be determined. Powered by batteries, black boxes can emit sound waves up to a depth of 6,000 meters for 30 days when they fall into water.
The chips inside store all recorded data. Since this information is sensitive, black boxes are made of very durable materials, and even if the plane crashes, it manages to protect the information inside by taking minimal damage.
First of all, it should be noted that although there are tragic plane crashes, airplanes are still by far the safest means of transportation.
As can be seen in this image on a website showing instant flights, there are many planes in the sky just now. And consider the amount of flights that are made all day, or even all year. Knowing that a pilot has made 10,000 flights in his career will also increase your confidence in airplanes. In other words, the probability of dying in a plane crash is even lower than the probability of hitting the jackpot.
The black box is not “black” ironically by its name.
Because red color was preferred for easy recognition after the accident. Pieces of aircraft wreckage can be thrown hundreds of meters; It would be a big disadvantage if the color of the black boxes was really black, as the search would usually be done in places such as mountains, forests, and the ocean.
The sensitive information inside is protected by thick metal blocks made of titanium or steel.
These devices are tough enough to handle 2.25 tons of pressure. It is also equipped with liquid foam surrounded by plastic for protection against heat and fire. Its heat resistance can reach up to 1,100 degrees Celsius.
It is very robust because it records all the conversations made in the cockpit, all the movements of the aircraft, data from the engine, altitude, route, fuel condition, cabin temperature, air pressure and many more.
Let’s come to the answer to our main question: If black boxes are so durable, why aren’t airplanes made of the same materials?
If airplanes were made from the materials that black boxes are made of, it would be much more costly to fly them. The aluminum from which airplanes are made is twice as light as the titanium from which black boxes are made. Actually, titanium is also a light metal, but its specific gravity is 4.51, while aluminum’s is 2.71. Factors such as the flexing of the wings while in the air are also important; Since the aluminum used in aircraft is a mixture of glass, it is both hard and highly flexible.
More importantly, even if the planes were made of titanium, regardless of the cost, there would still be loss of life. The falling plane would not break apart, but it would not be possible to escape from a hard plane that crashed to the ground from such a height at that speed. For better understanding, an example of a falling elevator can be given, nothing will happen to the elevator, but the contents will still be damaged.
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