posted on September 11, 2001 07:33:36 PM new
Yes. This url is for a British company (many "black box" sites are):
http://www.l-3ar.com/html/history.html
Fire Protection and Impact
Through the years, Fairchild recorders have survived the most horrible accidents. To ensure their survivability, a series of tests needs to be accomplished, and the tests must be done in sequence.
Crash Impact Test -- It has been agreed that 3400gs for 6.5 ms would be required to meet most accident scenarios. This test is actually performed with a cannon. A Fairchild CVR has survived a crash that was estimated to be more than 6000 gs.
Static Crush -- In this test, 5,000-pound pressure is applied against all six axis points.
Pierce Test -- A pierce test employs a 500-lb. weight dropped from 10 feet. It has been modified to be performed with a hardened steel pin.
Fire Test -- The devices are subjected to 1100 degrees Centigrade for 60 minutes, then undergo 10 hours at 260 degrees Centigrade. Because of its outstanding fire survival record, the Fairchild Model A100 CVR was used as the model to insure mandated standards could be obtained. The very latest FAA standards require the fire test to be expanded to 1 hour at 1100 degrees Centigrade, which all solid state models of L-3 Recorders meet or exceed.
