Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a release device that uses an electro-mechanical mechanism instead of an explosive to deploy a deployable unit such as a flight data recorder. In one embodiment of the invention, a solenoid is activated that causes a piston surrounded by the solenoid to move which moves a pin attached to the piston and allows a spring to decompress and deploy a deployable unit. In some embodiments, a release actuator mechanism, a pneumatic actuator mechanism, a shape memory alloy or a combination thereof may be used to affect deployment of the deployable unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a release device that uses an electro-mechanical mechanism instead of an explosive to deploy a deployable unit such as a flight data recorder. In one embodiment of the invention, a solenoid is activated that causes a piston surrounded by the solenoid to move which moves a pin attached to the piston and allows a spring to decompress and deploy a deployable unit. In some embodiments, a release actuator mechanism, a pneumatic actuator mechanism, a shape memory alloy or a combination thereof may be used to affect deployment of the deployable unit.

Abstract: A deployable airfoil unit is disclosed. It has a housing comprising a front surface and a rear surface joined by a top surface, two opposing side surfaces, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the front surface form an acute angle, and the top surface is larger than the bottom surface. A memory is configured to store flight data or cockpit voice data. A center of mass in the unit is configurable.

Abstract: A deployable airfoil unit is disclosed. It has a housing comprising a front surface and a rear surface joined by a top surface, two opposing side surfaces, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the front surface form an acute angle, and the top surface is larger than the bottom surface. A memory is configured to store flight data or cockpit voice data. A center of mass in the unit is configurable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a release device that uses an electro-mechanical mechanism instead of an explosive to deploy a deployable unit such as a flight data recorder. In one embodiment of the invention, a solenoid is activated that causes a piston surrounded by the solenoid to move which moves a pin attached to the piston and allows a spring to decompress and deploy a deployable unit. In some embodiments, a release actuator mechanism, a pneumatic actuator mechanism, a shape memory alloy or a combination thereof may be used to affect deployment of the deployable unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provides an automatic deployable flight recorder (ADFR) system that includes a deployable fight recorder, a plurality of crash sensors, and a recorder release unit. The recorder release unit is communicatively coupled to the deployable fight recorder and the plurality of crash sensors, and is configured to initiate deployment of the deployable flight data recorder from an aircraft when a deployment criteria that is adjusted based on a flight condition of the aircraft is satisfied.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provides an automatic deployable flight recorder (ADFR) system that includes a deployable fight recorder, a plurality of crash sensors, and a recorder release unit. The recorder release unit is communicatively coupled to the deployable fight recorder and the plurality of crash sensors, and is configured to initiate deployment of the deployable flight data recorder from an aircraft when a deployment criteria that is adjusted based on a flight condition of the aircraft is satisfied.