Why aren"t aeroplanes made of the same material as the black box?

While it might seem reasonable to assume that planes should be made of the same material as the indestructible black box, this is not actually the case for several reasons. Firstly, the black box is not indestructible; it is designed to be very strong and to withstand extreme conditions, but still has its limits. Secondly, although the black box body is made of metal alloys such as titanium or stainless steel, the inside is filled with soft materials such as foam to protect sensitive electronics and ensure that data is not damaged.

Aircraft, on the other hand, require different materials depending on where they are in the aircraft. For example, the fuselage is often made of lightweight aluminium and the wings are made of composite materials such as carbon fibre or metals such as titanium. These materials are chosen for their specific properties that allow them to be both strong and lightweight. Having lightweight materials in an aircraft is very important because it reduces fuel consumption and makes the aircraft more economical to operate.

In addition, the manufacturing process for black boxes and aircraft is significantly different. A black box consists of just a few components, relatively simple wiring and few connections. However, aeroplanes have a complex structure with many systems and subsystems that require a significantly more complex manufacturing process. The aircraft manufacturing process is strictly regulated, based on international standards, to ensure safe and reliable operation.

In conclusion, while it may seem a simple decision to make aircraft from the same material as the black box, this is not a practical solution for various reasons, ranging from the required level of durability to complex manufacturing processes. Aircraft are made from a variety of materials that have specific properties that are necessary for the functioning and safe operation of the aircraft.