What’s Inside an Airplane Black Box? 

Not Actually Black

Despite the name, black boxes are actually orange. The color helps investigators locate them quickly after an accident or crash.

Two Parts Inside 

Inside a black box are two main recorders: the Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder, storing vital flight information. 

Cockpit Voice Recorder 

Despite the name, black boxes are actually orange. The color helps investigators locate them quickly after an accident or crash.

Flight Data Recorder 

The FDR collects thousands of data points like speed, altitude, engine performance, and controls, providing a digital history of the flight. 

Extreme Protection 

Black boxes are built with titanium and steel, designed to survive crashes, deep-sea pressure, fire, and extreme impact forces. 

The Locator Beacon 

Each black box has an underwater locator beacon. It emits signals for 30 days, helping search teams track it in the ocean.