MH370 Search - Questions Answered #mh370search

Summary

In this special edition of Daily Airline News, experts Jeffrey Thomas and Richard Godfrey discuss the ongoing search for MH370, focusing on the Amada 7806 survey ship, which is approaching its 35-day endurance limit. Key topics include the potential recovery of black boxes, the capabilities of Whisper technology for tracking aircraft, and the complexities of cockpit security systems. Additionally, they explore new research by Simon Mascall’s team at Liverpool University, aimed at refining mathematical models to improve the accuracy of Whisper’s signal propagation. This detailed conversation highlights the evolving efforts and technologies used in the search for the missing aircraft.

Takeaways

• 😀 Amada 7806 is currently in its second survey area, and its destination is not yet confirmed, but it is expected to return to Fremantle by April 8 due to a 35-day endurance limit.
• 😀 Despite frustration from the next of kin of MH370, there is still no update on the signing ceremony for a new search agreement with Ocean Infinity.
• 😀 Whisper technology, used for tracking aircraft, can still track aircraft near the ground, although there is a two-minute gap between data updates.
• 😀 The black boxes of MH370, designed to withstand extreme pressures and corrosive saltwater, are likely to still contain usable data if they are found.
• 😀 The black boxes of MH370 are equipped with solid-state memory, which is non-volatile and should retain its data despite the passage of time.
• 😀 The cockpit door access system has evolved over time. In MH370's case, the door had a simple lock mechanism, not the more advanced keypad systems used today.
• 😀 A viewer asked if the black boxes are similar to USB drives in terms of data storage. Richard clarified that while both use solid-state memory, the black boxes are specifically designed for resilience under extreme conditions.
• 😀 Richard confirmed that although Whisper technology has some limitations, it remains highly accurate within a 30 km radius and can track aircraft for long distances.
• 😀 Simon Maskell's team at Liverpool University is working on a new mathematical model to improve the understanding of signal propagation for Whisper technology, with plans to submit their work to a peer-reviewed journal.
• 😀 Richard highlighted that their research models have mostly aligned, but they are still working on resolving some disparities before publishing new papers on Whisper technology and signal propagation.

Q & A

What is the significance of Amada 7806 in the MH370 search?

Amada 7806 is a survey ship conducting the second survey in the MH370 search area. Its destination remains unconfirmed, but it is expected to return by April 8, within its 35-day maximum endurance. The ship continues to search towards the Northeast, covering the Captain Patrick Bley and Jean Luke Maran hotspot, and the area around their specified ditching points.

How does the ETA for Amada 7806's return relate to the search?

The ETA of April 8 is driven by the 35-day maximum endurance of the search operation, not the ship's final destination. Since Amada 7806 left Fremantle on March 6, the ETA allows for up to 35 days of searching, with a couple of days left before the expected return to port.

Could the black boxes of MH370 still be readable after all these years?

Yes, the black boxes of MH370 can still be readable. They are designed to withstand extreme pressure, fire, and saltwater. The memory used in modern black boxes is non-volatile solid-state memory, meaning it retains data even after long periods under the ocean.

What is Whisper technology, and how does it aid in tracking MH370?

Whisper technology is used for tracking aircraft, including MH370. It captures signal data from the aircraft at intervals, allowing for its location to be monitored. Although there can be a 2-minute delay between updates, Whisper remains highly effective for tracking within a 30 km radius.

Would Whisper technology lose track of MH370 if it descended to near sea level?

No, Whisper technology would not lose track of the aircraft at low altitudes. However, due to the two-minute update interval, the last received data could be up to 2 minutes old. The system remains precise within a 30 km radius.

What was the system for cockpit door access on MH370?

On MH370, the cockpit door could be locked with a simple switch, preventing unauthorized access. This system, used before more advanced ones were introduced post-9/11, did not include a keypad access code system, which later became common for added security.

How has the cockpit door access system changed since 9/11?

After 9/11, cockpit doors were reinforced with a keypad access code system, initially known only to the captain and co-pilot. Later, it was extended to other crew members, though the cockpit could override the code to block access if necessary.

What type of recording medium is used in modern black boxes?

Modern black boxes use solid-state memory, similar to a USB drive. This memory is non-volatile, meaning it does not lose its data over time, and is housed in a crush-proof, damage-resistant casing to protect it from extreme impacts and conditions.

What is Simon Mascell's research at Liverpool University focused on in relation to MH370?

Simon Mascell's research focuses on improving mathematical models for signal propagation loss, particularly related to the Whisper technology used to track MH370. His work challenges the traditional models for signal attenuation over long distances and aims to provide a more accurate prediction for signal strength, which could aid in validating Whisper's role in the search.

How does the comparison of processing chains between Richard Godfrey and Liverpool University work?

Both Richard Godfrey and Liverpool University have developed independent processing chains for analyzing Whisper signal data. While they mostly align, some disparities remain, which are still being worked out before further papers are published. The comparison is key to validating the findings from both systems.