This paper discusses an investigation into retrofitting a standard nautical EPRIB onto aircraft and adapting it for aviation purposes. The proposed solution will eject the EPIRB automatically away from the aircraft prior to it impacting water so that it falls clear of any debris. For this type of system to be accepted by aircraft operators the retrofit needs to be reliable, cost effective and reliable with additionally consideration being required for maintenance and installation. The location which has been selected cannot interfere with the existing aircraft structural integrity so as to avoid costly recertification. The EPIRB ejection system will need to activate automatically under pre-determined conditions so as to allow successful deployment of the EPIRB even if the aircraft breaks apart during descent Once the beacon is in water the EPIRB will begin to transit GPS coordinates so its position is able to be tracked as it drifts on ocean currents.
展开▼
