This is an unflown example of a recording medium (foil) that was used on the earliest flight data recorders. It recorded a few basic parameters of a flight as scratches on a piece of foil. This medium is obsolete and has been replaced by magnetic or solid-state recorders, although a few aircraft still in service may continue to use foil.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

AVIONICS

Manufacturer

Loral Data Systems

Physical Description

Stainless steel spool with a roll of Inconel metal foil.

Dimensions

3-D: 12.7 × 2.9cm (5 × 1 1/8 in.)

Materials

Ferrous Alloy
Foil
Adhesive Tape

Inventory Number

A19950040000

Credit Line

Gift of Loral Data Systems.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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