Some have suggested that it stems from Hussenot's device, because it used film and "ran continuously in a light-tight box, hence the name 'black box,'" according to Airbus, which noted that orange was the box's chosen color from the beginning to make it easy to find.

The NTSB said Friday it has recovered flight recorders from both aircraft involved in Wednesday's airborne crash, which will be crucial in determining the cause of the accident.