Abstract: An in flight damage assessment and surveillance system for aircraft using imaging apparatus for capturing optical images of predetermined portions of the aircraft disposed along the exterior of said aircraft in a manner such that the flight characteristics of the aircraft remain substantially unaltered. The images captured are recorded on a storage media mounted within the aircraft and having an enclosure which provides for the survival of the storage media even when subjected to the harsh environment of an aircraft crash. A display for displaying the captured optical images to aircraft crew members is also positioned within the aircraft along with apparatus for interfacing the imaging apparatus to recording apparatus and the display. The system can also include second imaging apparatus for capturing optical images of selected portions of the interior of the aircraft as well as a telemetry device for transmitting images to or from ground based stations.