ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the range of flight data recorder (FDR)/cockpit voice recorder (CVR) technologies that are employed for both accident investigation and trend monitoring. Initial FDR technology required that the unit be able to withstand 100g of impact; the equipment was often installed alongside other equipment in the avionics bay. CVR required substantial packaging to enable it to be crash-survivable. The storage medium used with the CVR fitted to modern aircraft is usually based on one or more solid state memory devices whereas, on older aircraft, the CVR is usually based on a continuous loop of magnetic tape. The CVR storage unit must be recoverable in the event of an accident. The CVR control panel is usually fitted with a test switch, headphone jack and status light; the recorder itself is fitted with an underwater locator beacon to facilitate undersea recovery.
