UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 69 of 96

UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Aircraft Black Boxes

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.

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Verdict

Statements 2 and 3 are correct, so the answer is Option (b).

Analysis

Aircraft black boxes consist of two major components: the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which records various flight parameters, and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which captures cockpit conversations and sounds. Together, these systems preserve both flight and voice data.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is not correct: Black boxes use Underwater Locator Beacons (ULBs) that emit ultrasonic acoustic pulses at a frequency of 37.5 kHz rather than red light pulses. Acoustic pulses are effective for underwater detection, whereas light-based signals would be ineffective at significant depths.

Statement 2 is correct: Modern aircraft are equipped with both a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which together record cockpit audio and numerous flight parameters.

Statement 3 is correct: The memory units are protected within crash-survivable containers made of materials such as stainless steel or titanium, enabling them to endure extreme temperatures, high pressure, and severe impacts, including deep-sea pressure.

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