A method and an apparatus for deploying flight data from an aircraft. A bag is stored in a deflated state on the aircraft. The flight data is stored on a memory device coupled to the bag. The bag is inflated from the deflated state to the inflated state in response to a pressure level greater than a threshold pressure level to deploy the bag with the memory device coupled thereto from the aircraft.

An on-board emergency response system for a vehicle include a drone being integrated with a vehicle to become separated only when the vehicle is in trouble or experiencing difficulties. Activation of the drone may be from inside the vehicle or remotely via a communication link. The drone is automatically ejected or activated when abnormal conditions inside or outside the vehicle are detected. The drone may provide a backup communication when needed. Once the drone is ejected from the plane, it then follows the vehicle from above at a predetermined distance. It also sends its location, video and images taken inside and outside the vehicle to the command center. If a disaster is inevitable, the drone then tracks the vehicle all the way to its destination. Since the vehicle's actual location is immediately known to the central command, the rescue team can take off in no time, skipping the search altogether.

Various systems may benefit from appropriate triggers to action. For example, various deployable safety devices, such as emergency locator transmitters and flight recorders, may benefit from a multiple input release mechanism. A method can include identifying the presence of at least one crash indicator. The method can also include performing an analysis of aircraft distress based on aircraft parameters other than the at least one crash indicator to provide an analysis result of aircraft distress. The method can further include triggering the release of a safety device contingent upon the presence of the at least one crash indicator being accompanied by a positive result of aircraft distress.

Various systems may benefit from appropriate triggers to action. For example, various deployable safety devices, such as emergency locator transmitters and flight recorders, may benefit from a multiple input release mechanism. A method can include identifying the presence of at least one crash indicator. The method can also include performing an analysis of aircraft distress based on aircraft parameters other than the at least one crash indicator to provide an analysis result of aircraft distress. The method can further include triggering the release of a safety device contingent upon the presence of the at least one crash indicator being accompanied by a positive result of aircraft distress.

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 emergency beacon is configured to replace of one or more navigation lamps installed on an aircraft, which has a fuselage with an outer face, on which is fixed a second interface, on which such a navigation lamp is typically disposed; the emergency beacon includes a base, which has a first interface configured to cooperate with the second interface of the aircraft to fix the base onto the outer face of the fuselage; a casing with a control unit, a radio transmitter for transmitting a distress signal, and a detector to detect abnormal aircraft behavior; and a fixing structure to take up a fixation position, ensuring the casing is fixed to the base, or a separation position, in which it does not ensure the casing is fixed to the base; the transition from fixation position to separation position is controlled by the control unit when an abnormal behavior is detected.

An emergency beacon is configured to replace of one or more navigation lamps installed on an aircraft, which has a fuselage with an outer face, on which is fixed a second interface, on which such a navigation lamp is typically disposed; the emergency beacon includes a base, which has a first interface configured to cooperate with the second interface of the aircraft to fix the base onto the outer face of the fuselage; a casing with a control unit, a radio transmitter for transmitting a distress signal, and a detector to detect abnormal aircraft behavior; and a fixing structure to take up a fixation position, ensuring the casing is fixed to the base, or a separation position, in which it does not ensure the casing is fixed to the base; the transition from fixation position to separation position is controlled by the control unit when an abnormal behavior is detected.

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.