Jet Blue plane hit by cosmic rays

[ColonelKorn]

"Cosmic rays" must mean "pilot error".

[dinkydow]

"Officer, its obvious why I was hitting 180mph in my Corvette while in a 70mph zone...cosmic rays from a sun going Nova, at the far side of the galaxy...have struck my onboard engine management system and wreaked havoc with my electronics.......just like that airliner that crashed...because of another cosmic ray strike."

[Cujet]

We operate Gulfstream jets that use the same (architecture) Thales fly by wire computers. The issue of solar and other forms of high altitude irritation, er, ah irradiation is well known and understood. The units have error correcting software that prevent FBW operational problems, and will switch channels to one of the 4 others auto-magically. In basic terms, it's called 'flipping a bit'. and for the most part, that's exactly what engineers say they see

We operate up to FL510, so more shielding is used on the Gulfstream jets. Both lead vinyl and robust metal boxes.

The bottom line here is that this is not uncommon. The claim: Part of the problem is that the 'new' software did not contain the necessary error correcting code. Something in common use for 40+ years in all industries. And a few of the FBW computers were made with more modern, less robust component parts. This too is well understood.

For the nerds here, the Gulfstream and more modern FBW setups use 5 computers. 4 primary units and one 'softwareless' unit (BFCU, backup flight control unit) that can fly the plane through simple direct control. Units A+B, channels 1+2, dissimilar embedded processors are used across channels for safety. Intel i486 and an i7 variant and old school radiation tolerant SRAM memory along with Eprom.



51000 FL.jpg

[4thIDvet]

"Officer, its obvious why I was hitting 180mph in my Corvette while in a 70mph zone...cosmic rays from a sun going Nova, at the far side of the galaxy...have struck my onboard engine management system and wreaked havoc with my electronics.......just like that airliner that crashed...because of another cosmic ray strike."

Cosmic rays are no laughing matter dinky. I was out on the big local lake here mid day when they hit. My two fishing buds with me I yelled "Its every man for himself lads get overboard and under the boat now." One guy laughed didn't move. He lit up like a damn lightning bolt and still has curly hair.
So when you hear someone yell 'Cosmic Rays' get down.' Seek cover immediately.

[4thIDvet]

Cujet I am one of the Nerds I lost yah but that sounded pretty dang interesting. Thank you great picture. 👍
Now did yah know one of our best spy planes used to get a majority of the intelligence for the Gulf war invasions? Not satellites or modern jets we would guess. 60 year old design with modern software such as you describe. Hell if it works I guess why fix it.

Inside the U-2 Dragon Lady Factory: Building America’s Legendary High Altitude Spy Plane

"45,691 views Dec 8, 2025 #HowItsMade #FactoryTour #documentaryWelcome back to NETs Manufacturing! Today, we take you inside the construction and modernization process of the U-2 Dragon Lady — one of the most iconic and longest-serving high-Altitude reconnaissance aircraft in history. For over six decades, the U-2 has flown at extreme Altitude levels, collecting critical intelligence for the United States and its allies."

Inside the U-2 Dragon Lady Factory: Building America’s Legendary High Altitude Spy Plane

Yup the good old U-2 with some new tires a new paint job few modern computers and back up goes 'Dragon Lady' to still do our spying for 60+ yrs. Good job girl keep up the good work.. 👍