The other solution for inflight recorders data loss tinyurl.com/269cucb
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This proposal suggests that
"ships that pass in the night" merely exchange data via P2P handshake broadcast whilst enroute and within range of each other. This proposition is vaguely similar (or not dissimilar) to the common internet file-sharing techniques represented by Bittorrent, UTorrent, EMule etc. The idea is that the aircraft broadcasts the DFDR/CVR data on VHF/FM and that it should be picked up by any/all aircraft within radio range. Obviously when there is such an event as AF447, the "taped" (i.e. HardDisk recorded) data would be collected and amalgamated in the same cohesive manner as P2P files are. Error-checking and checksums normally ensure that files downloaded via P2P are intact in the collation. Stale Data would be overwritten at intervals so that unwanted data is deleted.
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On another variant front, it may indeed be possible to burst transmit the same data via HF in addition. Alternatively the cost of using satellites to receive and retransmit data may be reduced by simply having a non-LEO constellation of two or three high orbiting satellites record daily data and simply over-write it as each flight transmits an
"on-blocks" message indicating successful/safe flight completion. In the event of a crash the day's data would be retrieved for compilation of the missing aircraft's data.
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The article addresses routes such as South America to NZ where there are very few aircraft plying the route. Suggestions vary from moored blimps to ground stations on enroute islands to ocean buoys receiving the transmissions made whilst in the oceanic gap.
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Yet another variation could have aircraft only transmit data to a satellite when there is a loss of control (g switch) or a squawk of 7700/7500 is selected. With a little imagination, and utilizing available technology, there are rational and inexpensive solutions to prevent the loss of DFDR/CVR data due to overwater long-haul aircraft just disappearing enroute. When you think about it, the ex-military among us would be very aware of the very reliable Link 11/Link 4 capabilities we had introduced back in the mid 1970's. Technology has come a long way since then.
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tinyurl.com/269cucb