If only = Deployable Recorders
Quote:
Surely there is a now a case to fit the FDRs and CVRs higher in the tail or rear bullet of ETOPS and LROPS over water flights that go outside radar coverage. They could be barostatically detached at a specified depth under water and fitted with a hi-vis, flotation device that has a solar-powered ELT. Regardless of cost this must surely be designable to avoid the anguish of the relatives after such an event.
US Navy have been using Deployable Recorders manufactured by DRS since 1993 - they are excellent, usually survive and are found quickly despite the momentum with which an F18 can crash and also put out an ELT signal to the satellites as soon as they deploy.
Efforts continue to get ICAO to mandate them as the second recorder and I think we could see them by 2018 or 2020. SARPS grind slowly but 370 will help.