Curtiss-Wright announces ultra-lightweight cockpit image, voice and flight data recorder

Curtiss-Wright Controls Avionics & Electronics (CWC-AE) announces the development of the Fortress Cockpit Image, Voice and Flight Data Recorder that meets existing and forthcoming requirements for mandatory voice, data and image recording.

The Fortress Next Generation Crash Recorder has an industry leading low weight design for a mandatory item that is part of an aircraft's minimum equipment list (MEL). This weight saving can be as great as 12kg compared to typical in-service recording system which can lead to significantly lower fuel costs over time.

Fortress uses a modular architecture to rapidly accommodate custom interfaces with lower time, cost and risk overheads than traditional designs. This flexibility also facilitates many optional features such as data encryption, SATCOM interface, wireless download and additional parameter acquisition from ARINC 429, discrete and analog interfaces.

Paul Hart, Director of Avionics Engineering at CWC-AE comments, “We had one very strict rule for this product – build to the lowest possible weight without compromising functionality. We've utilized the latest techniques like modular mother-daughterboard designs and additive layer manufacturing to achieve this goal.“

The Fortress meets or exceeds all current and anticipated EUROCAE ED-112A, FAA TSO and EASA ETSO requirements. It is compact and hard-mountable for easy installation and features an optional integrated Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS). Each recorder can be designated as an FDR, CVR or a combined unit – this allows maintenance cost savings as designations can be swapped if necessary. Ordering options include ARINC 757 and ARINC 767 interface support as needed by the program.