The black box aboard commercial aircraft often proves instrumental in re-creating events leading up to an accident. Raytheon Co. has developed an advanced digital flight data recording system that will gather more information on pilot operation and plane function than was previously required.

The company recently conducted a test of the system at its facility in Wichita, Kan. Unlike conventional flight data recorders, the new system uses fiber optic technology and remote sensors to collect substantially more critical information. It is awaiting certification by the Federal Aviation Administration, which had ordered a broader range of data.