Facilitating Accident Evaluations of Aircraft with "Glass" Cockpits

Todays military aircraft are outfitted with "Glass" cockpit displays almost exclusively, including CRT, flat panel, heads up and helmet mounted displays. Unfortunately, in the event of aircraft accidents, there is no indication of display status the way there might be with mechanical gauges (jammed gears, heat imprints of dial indicators, etc.) A device which would record the display readout upon impact would be of considerable assistance to investigators, and a device or Display Crash Recorder (DCR) which would record several minutes of display imagery prior to impact would be invaluable. Investigators could precisely recreate display scenarios and visualize what pilots had observed leading up to and immediately prior to accidents. This capability could give investigators the insight as to possible causes, allowing them to be more specific as to their accident investigation procedures. Phase I will validate the concept, provide the investigation and analysis necessary to develop and deliver a working prototype and simulation platform to demonstrate feasibility. Phase II will utilize equipment developed in Phase I for further software/algorithm development and produce a first article production prototype along with documentation and drawings sufficient for Phase III production.