Automatically activated rescue radio and associated method

Abstract

A rescue radio system includes a radio frequency tag, which is carried by and remains with an aircraft, and a rescue radio, which is carried by and remains with an aircrew member. The rescue radio includes an accelerometer that generates an actuation signal in response to the rescue radio being accelerated at a rate that is at least as great as the minimum amount of acceleration that the rescue radio can experience while the rescue radio is being carried by an aircrew member who is ejected from the aircraft. In response to the actuation signal, an interrogator of the rescue radio is activated so that it transmits an interrogatory signal. The radio frequency tag emits a reply signal in response to receiving the interrogatory signal. The interrogator receives the reply signal if the rescue radio is proximate to the radio frequency tag. The rescue radio includes a controller that causes a beacon transmitter of the rescue radio to transmit a beacon signal when the interrogator is activated and does not receive the reply signal, so that the beacon signal is transmitted when the rescue radio has been ejected from the aircraft. The controller also prevents the beacon transmitter from transmitting the beacon signal when the interrogator is activated and does receive the reply signal, so that the beacon signal is not transmitted when the rescue radio has not been ejected from the cockpit.