Official Question UPSC 2026
Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct ? 1. They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection. 2. They record both the cockpit voice and flight data. 3. Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium. Select the answer using the code given below :
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications for flight recorders:
•Statement 1 is Incorrect: When an aircraft crashes into water, the attached Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB) activates. Because light cannot penetrate the deep ocean, the ULB emits an acoustic (ultrasonic) pulse (usually at 37.5 kHz) that can be detected by sonar. It does not emit red light pulses.
•Statement 2 is Correct: The term "black box" is colloquial; it actually refers to two bright-orange devices: the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) (capturing crew conversations and engine acoustics) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) (logging hundreds of technical parameters like altitude and speed).
•Statement 3 is Correct: The critical data is housed in the Crash-Survivable Memory Unit (CSMU). To withstand massive impact forces, crushing deep-sea pressure, and post-crash fires up to 1,100°C, the CSMU is armored with heavy-duty titanium or stainless steel and packed with high-temperature insulation.
Conclusion: Statements 2 and 3 reflect accurate aviation engineering.