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 ejectable flight data recorder for robust retention of flight data and aiding in locating an aircraft after an emergency situation comprises: a buoyant housing comprising an internal cavity, a door for access to at least a portion of the internal cavity, and an aerodynamic outer shape having a longitudinal axis; an energy-dissipating nose cone for reducing an impact load on the housing when the flight data recorder impacts a water surface; a nonvolatile memory configured to store flight data; a position sensor for detecting a geographic position of the flight data recorder; a radio transmitter; an antenna electrically coupled to the radio transmitter; a sustainable power system; and a hydrophone for acoustically tracking a sinking trajectory of the aircraft in a body of water.

The vertical tailplane of the aircraft is equipped with a distress beacon. The floatability of the vertical tailplane is taken advantage of in order to keep the distress beacon on the surface of the water in the case of an accident caused by a forced landing on the sea.

The vertical tailplane of the aircraft is equipped with a distress beacon. The floatability of the vertical tailplane is taken advantage of in order to keep the distress beacon on the surface of the water in the case of an accident caused by a forced landing on the sea.

The present invention relates to a detachable floating equipment to deploy on impact with the water and enabling stabilization of the aircraft for the prevention of the aircraft from sinking, until the surviving passengers and crew members is been rescued.

The present invention relates to a detachable floating equipment to deploy on impact with the water and enabling stabilization of the aircraft for the prevention of the aircraft from sinking, until the surviving passengers and crew members is been rescued.

Systems and methods for aerially delivering cargo into a body of water while avoiding parachute entrapment and entanglement are described. The system includes a parachute having a canopy and suspension lines. The system further includes a weight coupled to a first end of the suspension lines and a ring that is configured to float in the body of water. The weight is coupled to the cargo, and the ring is disposed between the weight and the canopy with the suspension lines passing through the center of the ring.

A system for rapid separation of a flight data recorder from an aircraft comprises a flight data recorder; an emergency detection system comprising a plurality of sensors for detecting flight parameters and at least one computer processor for analyzing the flight parameters and determining, based on the analysis, that an emergency event is occurring; a rapid ejection system comprising a pneumatic system configured to eject the flight data recorder out of an opening in a housing and through the skin of the aircraft when the emergency detection system determines that the emergency event is occurring; and a soft landing system, said soft landing system being attached to the flight data recorder and configured to reduce force of impact upon landing and increase buoyancy of the flight data recorder.

A system for rapid separation of a flight data recorder from an aircraft comprises a flight data recorder; an emergency detection system comprising a plurality of sensors for detecting flight parameters and at least one computer processor for analyzing the flight parameters and determining, based on the analysis, that an emergency event is occurring; a rapid ejection system comprising a pneumatic system configured to eject the flight data recorder out of an opening in a housing and through the skin of the aircraft when the emergency detection system determines that the emergency event is occurring; and a soft landing system, said soft landing system being attached to the flight data recorder and configured to reduce force of impact upon landing and increase buoyancy of the flight data recorder.

An ejectable flight data recorder for robust retention of flight data and aiding in locating an aircraft after an emergency situation comprises: a buoyant housing comprising an internal cavity, a door for access to at least a portion of the internal cavity, and an aerodynamic outer shape having a longitudinal axis; an energy-dissipating nose cone for reducing an impact load on the housing when the flight data recorder impacts a water surface; a nonvolatile memory configured to store flight data; a position sensor for detecting a geographic position of the flight data recorder; a radio transmitter; an antenna electrically coupled to the radio transmitter; a sustainable power system; and a hydrophone for acoustically tracking a sinking trajectory of the aircraft in a body of water.