Data Recording, Storage Transfer With High Crash Survivability And Extreme Temperature Protection

Avionics manufacturer FreeFlight Systems has unveiled a Flight Data Management System which includes a data recorder-like Memory Management System (MMS) and Hardened Memory Unit.

The FreeFlight Systems Memory Management System (MMS) is a light-weight, rugged, programmable unit that can record, store and transfer vital aircraft information provided by the pilot, or other aircraft systems (such as on-board cameras, and third party systems). The unit can also be used as an onboard network attached storage (NAS) system.

The MMS, which can be fitted into a standard radio stack or installed elsewhere in an aircraft, comes with a pilot-removable primary memory module with up to 128GB capacity, a secondary memory module (mini SD card) with up to 2GB capacity, and an 8GB USB thumb drive.

The system allows for fast and easy transfer of the recorded information to and from other aircraft systems using gigabit Ethernet and/or USB 2.0 interfaces. The primary and secondary memory modules, as well as the thumb drive, are fully compatible with standard PC systems.

The FreeFlight Systems Hardened Memory Units (HMU) have been designed to store and protect vital flight information for use in flight data analysis and, if necessary, flight information recovery. FreeFlight Systems offers the HMU with 2GB capacity and the HMU-E with 8GB capacity. Both models use a standard USB 2.0 interface and are fully compatible with FreeFlight Systems' MMS and other equipment using the USB interface.

The HMUs use superior grade flash memory, which is surrounded by a multi-tiered protection system including specially coated electronics, high-temp phase change material, ceramic fiber insulation and a cryo-tempered stainless steel housing. Together, this system provides protection against crash, petro-chemical fires (1100 C for 1 hour) and shrapnel/small arms fire. FreeFlight Systems also offers a military grade version with additional ballistics protection.

"The NTSB is requesting better safety systems for helicopters flying under certain operations such as HEMS, and specifically identified the need for crash survivable memory systems," says Tim Taylor, FreeFlight Systems' President and CEO. "To my knowledge, we are the only cost effective solution for truly crash survivable memory."

"And paired with the MMS," adds Jamie Luster, FreeFlight Systems' Director of Sales and Marketing, "the operators have the ability to separately program the information stored in the HMU and the MMS for day to day retrieval. Because the MMS has its own processor, the capabilities are endless, and we are willing to work with individual customers to meet their specific needs."

The weight of the MMS is 3.22 lbs, lists for $9,212, and is expected to be available by the end of May 2010. The system will have PMA and completed DO-160 hardware testing. The weight of the HMU and HMU-E is 1.68 and 2.88 lbs. and list for $2,911 and $5,663 respectively. They will also be available by the end of May 2010.

FMI: www.freeflightsystems.com