Disk Based Recorders

The initial offering was 50 MHz of bandwidth, using 8 disks running in parallel to achieve the sustained data rate. The systems were engineered to overwrite the oldest data thus allowing continuous recording of signals of interest. Data of interest was extracted whilst the recording process continued.

Solid State Disks were investigated but the initial offerings proved unreliable. However eventually the technology became stable and eventually allowed bandwidths of 1,000 MHz to be recorded.

These recorders were well received, providing reliable recording on all types of platforms, including turboprop aircraft with their high vibration characteristics, which had previously caused the recorders from other manufacturers to fail on multiple occasions.