CGI, a leading IT company, has developed a revolutionary technology that could transform the way we collect and analyze flight data. The Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) system is a blockchain-based solution for securely storing highly sensitive data hosted on the cloud. This scalable system offers a future commercial service that will be made available globally.
The UVFDR system is designed for use on any aircraft equipped to send engineering telemetry and operational data to the ground. It enables the assured, authenticated, and provenance-controlled storage of data transmitted by an aircraft while in flight. The benefits of the UVFDR system are numerous. In case of an emergency, incident, or accident, access to that data will be almost immediate. The system can reduce the time and effort required to locate aircraft in distress and provide critical telemetry to ground-based engineers assisting their crews. Additionally, the UVFDR system can detect and flag potentially unsafe situations before they occur, enabling proactive safety measures.
It is important to note that the UVFDR system is not a replacement for traditional flight recorders but rather a complementary tool. A future UVFDR service can be used on its own on smaller aircraft or alongside traditional recorders on aircraft legally required to carry them.
Richard Wilmot, CGI’s Senior Vice President Space, Defense, and Intelligence for the UK & Australia, highlights the importance of understanding the cause of an air-related incident to help improve flight safety. The UVFDR system can prevent accidents and provide critical data in case of an incident, benefiting those impacted and their families. Furthermore, the system can support additional services, such as technical support for aircraft and airspace data integration.
Dr. Li Wen-Chin of the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre at Cranfield University believes that the technology offers the potential to support additional services, including improved technical support for aircraft in flight, flight recording solutions for remotely piloted and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, and airspace data integration services for air navigation service providers.
The UVFDR system is a significant step towards enhancing flight safety. Its blockchain solution ensures the secure storage of data, and it can prevent accidents and provide critical data in case of an incident. Additionally, the system can support technical support for aircraft and airspace data integration. With its potential benefits, the UVFDR system is a significant step towards enhancing flight safety and could change how we understand flight data, ultimately making air travel even safer.
In conclusion, the UVFDR system is an excellent example of how technology can be used to enhance safety and improve the overall flight experience. Its scalability and ability to operate on any aircraft equipped with engineering telemetry and operational data transmission capabilities make it a game-changer. The system could change the way we understand flight data and prevent accidents, making air travel even safer. With its benefits and potential, the UVFDR system is a significant step towards enhancing flight safety.
