This question has been nagging at me for the last day or so. I know that this question long ago became the cliched joke of stand-up comedians (or comediannes), but I have never heard an honest answer. Why, if the black box is able to withstand intense heat and impact, aren’t planes (or cars, trains, boats, etc.) made with similar materials and to the same specifications?
Welcome to the Straight Dope! This topic has been covered several times over the past few days, as well as being addressed by the Master himself. It’s become a cliche, but hte search function is your friend.
On 9/12/2001:Anyone know much about black boxes?
On 9/13/2001: black boxes
Cecil: If aircraft “black boxes” are indestructible, why can’t the whole plane be made from the same material?
I realize now that this might have been answered already in the past by The Straight Dope, but I could not find it in the archive list.
Technology similar to that which protects black boxes is in use in buildings. Tornado- and hurricane-resistant rooms are popular in new structures built in areas where a basement is not an option.
If I remember correctly,the Chevrolet Corvette has a black box.