A data recording apparatus, data recording system and an orientation determination method thereof is disclosed. The data recording apparatus may include a housing, a wireless communication interface, one or more memories that store executable code; and one or more processors configured to execute the executable code, which causes the one or more processors to: control the communication interface to obtain data from Flight Data Acquisition Unit (FDAU) and store the obtained data in the one or more memories. The obtained data may include one or more of flight data, cockpit data (e.g., cockpit voice data), or cabin data (e.g., cabin voice data). The data recording apparatus may include a detachable attachment means for allowing the data recording apparatus to separate from the airplane in the event of a crash via a passive detachment means.

A device for offloading data recorded in a host vehicle. The device includes an interface module configured to interface the device to one or more data recording devices in the host vehicle. A memory module is also provided and configured to independently store data from the data recording devices. A wireless transmitter is configured to transmit the stored data when one or more predefined criterion in the stored data and/or recording devices are met.

An apparatus and method of delivering an alert from an aircraft to a search and rescue system. An alert from an aircraft is received via a communications satellite. The alert comprises identification information identifying the aircraft and position information identifying the position of the aircraft. In response to receiving the alert, an emulated distress radio beacon signal is generated. The emulated distress radio beacon signal comprises the identification information and the position information in a standard format of a signal generated by a distress radio beacon. The emulated distress radio beacon signal is broadcast from a location other than the aircraft as an emulated distress radio beacon transmission that is configured to be received and processed by the search and rescue system.

An apparatus and method of delivering an alert from an aircraft to a search and rescue system. An alert from an aircraft is received via a communications satellite. The alert comprises identification information identifying the aircraft and position information identifying the position of the aircraft. In response to receiving the alert, an emulated distress radio beacon signal is generated. The emulated distress radio beacon signal comprises the identification information and the position information in a standard format of a signal generated by a distress radio beacon. The emulated distress radio beacon signal is broadcast from a location other than the aircraft as an emulated distress radio beacon transmission that is configured to be received and processed by the search and rescue system.

Devices and methods for aiding a large area search for objects. A searcher transmits interrogation signals of long range relative to the return range to be received by a device at the target object. The target device responds with a ping signal modified to be more easily found by means of information contained in the interrogation signal. The information may be in the nature of the received signal or data encoded and embedded. The target device may use a microprocessor to do complex operations using the information from the interrogation signal and other information. Detection of a weak ping is facilitated by such means as being beamed in the direction of the interrogation, arriving at a predictable time, or having parameters adapted to values requested by the searcher. The object is then intercepted with help of the ping or other signals from the device.

Devices and methods for aiding a large area search for objects. A searcher transmits interrogation signals of long range relative to the return range to be received by a device at the target object. The target device responds with a ping signal modified to be more easily found by means of information contained in the interrogation signal. The information may be in the nature of the received signal or data encoded and embedded. The target device may use a microprocessor to do complex operations using the information from the interrogation signal and other information. Detection of a weak ping is facilitated by such means as being beamed in the direction of the interrogation, arriving at a predictable time, or having parameters adapted to values requested by the searcher. The object is then intercepted with help of the ping or other signals from the device.

An apparatus for recording aircraft flight data including a primary flight data recorder unit for recording data generated by aircraft systems during operation of an aircraft and a secondary flight data recorder unit in communication with the primary flight data recorder unit. The secondary flight data recorder unit is configured to receive and store data from the primary flight data recorder. The secondary flight data recorder unit is ejectable from the aircraft, and comprises a propulsion system to enable powered flight of the secondary flight data recorder unit.

An apparatus for recording aircraft flight data including a primary flight data recorder unit for recording data generated by aircraft systems during operation of an aircraft and a secondary flight data recorder unit in communication with the primary flight data recorder unit. The secondary flight data recorder unit is configured to receive and store data from the primary flight data recorder. The secondary flight data recorder unit is ejectable from the aircraft, and comprises a propulsion system to enable powered flight of the secondary flight data recorder unit.

A wireless dual flight data recorder apparatus and wireless network method using satellite communications for providing remote data redundancy, location accuracy, and real-time access to live flight data contained in the black box of an aircraft. An integrated GPS receiver uses the NAVSTAR GPS Precise Position Service allowing emergency responders immediate access to exact location of the device. A data collection algorithm streams flight data to a remote data center, performs data compaction for decreasing bandwidth, and data encryption for security prior to transmission to a remote data center. An ejection sensor system signals a second unit to eject milliseconds before impact reducing shock to the recorder. A flotation system allows the device to float on water, a solar panel extends the life of the batteries, and VoIP video camera recorder allows remote surveillance. The invention protects critical flight data and passengers ensuring expeditious rescue missions for survivors and investigators.

A wireless dual flight data recorder apparatus and wireless network method using satellite communications for providing remote data redundancy, location accuracy, and real-time access to live flight data contained in the black box of an aircraft. An integrated GPS receiver uses the NAVSTAR GPS Precise Position Service allowing emergency responders immediate access to exact location of the device. A data collection algorithm streams flight data to a remote data center, performs data compaction for decreasing bandwidth, and data encryption for security prior to transmission to a remote data center. An ejection sensor system signals a second unit to eject milliseconds before impact reducing shock to the recorder. A flotation system allows the device to float on water, a solar panel extends the life of the batteries, and VoIP video camera recorder allows remote surveillance. The invention protects critical flight data and passengers ensuring expeditious rescue missions for survivors and investigators.