In numerous report, for example [1], it is reported that the engines of the missing MH370 was sending engine data to the ground:<p>"...data automatically downloaded and sent to the ground from the Boeing Co 777's Rolls Royce engines as part of a standard monitoring program"<p>What I've failed to find is some description of how this system works. Is this an RR-only thing, or is it a standard way of transmitting engine data from planes?<p>[1]http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/missing-jet/report-missing-mh370-flew-four-hours-after-known-position-n51536
It's done via ACARS, which is a standard thing.<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_Communications_Addressing_and_Reporting_System" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_Communications_Address...</a>
This probably doesn't exactly answer your question, but will give you lead to where to start digging from.. <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7392295" rel="nofollow">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7392295</a>