What color are the voice and flight data recorders typically?

Voice and flight data recorders, commonly known as "black boxes," are typically painted in a bright orange color. The reason for this distinctive coloring is to ensure that they can be easily located in the aftermath of an accident or incident. The vivid orange stands out against various backgrounds where the wreckage might be found, enhancing recovery efforts by search teams.

While the term "black box" is widely used, it is somewhat misleading since the actual devices are not black. Instead, they are designed this way for visibility. Some variations may have reflective or contrasting details, but the prevailing standard is the bright orange hue.

In aviation safety, this practice contributes to improving the chances of recovering crucial data that can be vital for investigating accidents.