Summary
Alternative Name(s): 'Black Box' Flight Recorder
ARL Flight Memory recorder airborne prototype voice plus data recorder unit. This unit was invented by Dr David Warren and developed at the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Melbourne. The wire recording technology was based on a Minifon pocket recorder. The airborne unit was successfully tested on 15 March1962 in Fokker Friendship VH-CAV flown from Essendon airport, Melbourne.
This invention subsequently became colloquially known as the 'black box flight recorder'.
Physical Description
Small metal box with open sides and two three-layered reels on top. Each reel has a thin wire wound around it. One reel is made of blue plastic the other is made of silver metal.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Aeronautical Research Laboratories (ARL), 11 Oct 1982
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Inventor
Dr David R. Warren - Aeronautical Research Laboratories (ARL), Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1954-1958
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Maker
Mr Theon ('Tich') N. Mirfield, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1958
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Commissioned By
Aeronautical Research Laboratories (ARL), Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1955-1962
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Inscriptions
On top of box: 'AERONAUTICAL RESEARCH LABS./MELBOURNE'. On top of blue plastic reel: 'Protono/minifon P55'.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
158 mm (Length), 65 mm (Width), 76 mm (Height), 680 g (Weight)
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References
[Article] Mirfield, Theon ('Tich') N. & Warren, D.R. 1964. Miniature Wire Recording Decks with Limited Memory. AJIT. Vol.20 (No.2): pp.94-100., May 1964, pp.94-100 Pages
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Keywords
Aeroplanes, Australian Innovations, Flight Memory Recorders, Flight Recorders, Innovation & Design
