Military jets and FDRs/CVRs

[9GClub]

Do they have them? If so, do they monitor the same parameters as commercial examples or are they more/less complex (i.e. to include armament status, etc.) Also, if they have them, are they removed for combat ops for security reasons, or is that not an issue?

 

[FastCargo]

Yes and no...

T-38Cs have an FDR that is 'downloaded' to a PCMICA format card after aflight to be uploaded to a computer. Records parameters aboutonce a second. Great for 4-ship debrief (create your own ACMIshow).

Also, we have a HUD/MFD tape recorder that records all communication (internal, external, etc) as well as the HUD/MFD view.

I don't think either one though is hardened the way civilian 'black boxes' are.

B-1B had a crude FDR, but no CVR.

FastCargo

 

[BroyF15]

A lot of AF aircraft have some sort of FDR. Some of the older ones do not. It really depends on what was purchased as part of an upgrade package for those aircraft. As far as monitoring capabilities go, that will depend on the specific aircraft. Some are crash-survivable, others are not (T-38C, for instance). It also depend on the nature of the crash. Combat cabilities, on the other hand, will not be discussed in an open forum.

There are a lot of uses for the information contained in a FDR (MX, flight debrief, safety, etc). In my job, we use the information extensively to debrief a students performance in Basic Fighter Maneuvers (dog fighting). While I can sketch what happens on the chalk board, the information contained in the FDR (downloaded to a PCMCIA card) allows me to do it more efficiently and certainly much more accurately.

Good luck on the start of your aviation career!

BroyF15