PPSC Excise and Taxation Inspector 2018 Question Paper

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35.

Who invented Black Box Flight Recorder ?

A: Robert Stephenson
B: John Shorthand
C: David Warren
D: David Robinson

The answer is: C

Explanation

Answer: C - David Warren

Explanation:

  • Dr. David Warren, an Australian scientist, invented the Black Box Flight Recorder in 1953–54 while working at the Aeronautical Research Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia.
  • His invention came after the mysterious crashes of the world's first commercial jet airliner - the de Havilland Comet - where investigators had no way to determine what happened in the cockpit before the crash.
  • The device records flight data and cockpit conversations, allowing investigators to reconstruct events leading to an accident.


Why other options are wrong:

  • Robert Stephenson - Famous civil/railway engineer, known for building early locomotives and bridges. No aviation connection.
  • John Shorthand - No significant aviation invention associated with this name.
  • David Robinson - No notable aviation invention linked to this name.


Key facts about Black Box:

  • Invented by : David Warren
  • Year : 1953–54
  • Country : Australia
  • Actual colour : Bright Orange (not black)
  • Purpose : Records flight data and cockpit audio
  • Two components : FDR (Flight Data Recorder) + CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder)
  • Withstands : Temperatures up to 1100°C, deep water pressure, high impact
  • Location in aircraft : Tail section (safest part in crash)

 

Why is it called Black Box if it is Orange:

  • Originally the casing was black
  • Later changed to bright orange for easy location after crashes
  • The term "Black Box" stuck as common usage despite colour change
  • Officially called Flight Recorder, not Black Box


Important aviation inventions - must know:

  • Aeroplane : Wright Brothers (1903)
  • Jet Engine : Frank Whittle (UK)
  • Black Box : David Warren (Australia)
  • Parachute : André Garnerin
  • Helicopter : Igor Sikorsky