Systems, methods, and apparatus for the use of an emergency dye for search, rescue, and recovery is disclosed. In various embodiments, an emergency dye may comprise a high-visibility dye configured to reflect light in a visible light spectrum. The emergency dye may be configured to be disposed of on an aircraft. The emergency dye may be configured to be disposed of within an emergency dye package. The emergency dye may also be configured to be disposed of within an aircraft's hydraulic system. The emergency dye may be configured to be released from the aircraft, based on monitoring an aircraft's avionics system for an imminent crash alert.

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.

A system for activating the distress beacon determines a positional difference between a theoretical position of the aircraft determined from data of the flight plan and a real position of the aircraft determined from the navigation and monitoring equipment installed in the aircraft. This system delivers an instruction to arm the distress beacon when one or more conditions are met, among which is the condition that the positional difference exceeds a predetermined value.

A system for activating the distress beacon determines a positional difference between a theoretical position of the aircraft determined from data of the flight plan and a real position of the aircraft determined from the navigation and monitoring equipment installed in the aircraft. This system delivers an instruction to arm the distress beacon when one or more conditions are met, among which is the condition that the positional difference exceeds a predetermined value.

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 apparatus includes a body. The body includes an electronics chamber and an inflation chamber. The apparatus further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the body. The apparatus further includes a plurality of connector assemblies coupled to the inflation chamber. The apparatus further includes inflatable bags, where each inflatable bag is coupled to an individual connector assembly of the plurality of connector assemblies. The apparatus further includes a transmitter located within the electronics chamber. The apparatus further includes a processor located within the electronics chamber and coupled to a memory device. The processor is configured to detect submersion of the body in water, send a signal to cause initiation of a reaction in the inflation chamber, and cause the transmitter to send a data transmission.

An apparatus includes a body. The body includes an electronics chamber and an inflation chamber. The apparatus further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the body. The apparatus further includes a plurality of connector assemblies coupled to the inflation chamber. The apparatus further includes inflatable bags, where each inflatable bag is coupled to an individual connector assembly of the plurality of connector assemblies. The apparatus further includes a transmitter located within the electronics chamber. The apparatus further includes a processor located within the electronics chamber and coupled to a memory device. The processor is configured to detect submersion of the body in water, send a signal to cause initiation of a reaction in the inflation chamber, and cause the transmitter to send a data transmission.

An apparatus associated with a vehicle, includes a body, wherein the body includes a chamber. The apparatus further includes a buoyancy ring coupled to the body. The apparatus further includes a battery located within the chamber. The apparatus further includes a transmitter, wherein a portion of the transmitter is disposed within a recess of the body. The apparatus further includes a processor located within the chamber and coupled to a memory device, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a signal indicating detection of submersion of the vehicle in water, send a signal to switch a power source from the vehicle to the battery, send a signal to cause inflation of an inflatable bag, and cause the transmitter to send a data transmission.

An apparatus associated with a vehicle, includes a body, wherein the body includes a chamber. The apparatus further includes a buoyancy ring coupled to the body. The apparatus further includes a battery located within the chamber. The apparatus further includes a transmitter, wherein a portion of the transmitter is disposed within a recess of the body. The apparatus further includes a processor located within the chamber and coupled to a memory device, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a signal indicating detection of submersion of the vehicle in water, send a signal to switch a power source from the vehicle to the battery, send a signal to cause inflation of an inflatable bag, and cause the transmitter to send a data transmission.