Black boxes play a vital role in revealing what happened in the final moments of doomed flights, but not many people know what they actually look like. Photographer Jeffrey Milstein has shot a fascinating project documenting black boxes, shedding light on what happens to the devices   after tragic crashes. Despite the name, the boxes are usually red to help rescuers spot them among the wreckage of crashed planes and helicopters. Scroll down for video . Photographer Jeffrey Milstein has shot a fascinating project documenting black boxes, shedding light on what happens to the devices after tragic crashes . The boxes are often severely burned and damaged in crashes (left), however some are pulled from the wreckage relatively unscathed . Despite the name, the boxes are usually red (right) to help rescuers spot them among the wreckage of crashed planes and helicopters . The boxes, which record flight data and conversations between pilots, are incredibly important for discovering what led to a plane's crash . Mr Milstein's work saw him gain access to air safety storage facilities where data recorders end up following an accident. After disaster strikes, there is an immediate attempt to cover the black box - as seen in recent tragedies such as Germanwings flight 4U 9525. The boxes, which record flight data and conversations between pilots, are incredibly important for discovering what led to a plane's crash, as evidenced by the continuing search for Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 and its flight recorders in the Indian Ocean. Photographer Mr Milstein, from New York, said the boxes were the only way to piece together the cause of a disaster. Mr Milstein's (pictured) work saw him gain access to air safety storage facilities where data recorders end up following an incident . Remarkable: The fascinating photographs document black boxes, and parts of boxes, that have been recovered from aircraft accidents . Mr Milstein said he became interested in black boxes after being asked to take photographs of one after a helicopter crash in Ottawa, Canada . After disaster strikes, there is an immediate attempt to cover the black box - as seen in recent tragedies such as Germanwings flight 4U 9525 . Black boxes have developed throughout the years, becoming stronger to ensure they survive even the most devastating impacts . 'While everyone has heard of the black box, few people have seen one. These photographs document black boxes, and parts of boxes, that have been recovered from aircraft accidents,' he said. 'Some of the earliest boxes used wire, metal foil, or continuous magnetic tape for recording. As technological instruments they are visually fascinating. 'In addition, they are emotionally charged - some crushed, some burnt - they reveal stories of the tragedies that occurred. They may contain the last words of the pilots, and the best hope of understanding and preventing future mishaps. It is hard not to look at some of them without being reminded of our vulnerability.' Mr Milstein said he became interested in black boxes after being asked to take photographs of one after a helicopter crash in Ottawa, Canada. He said: 'When I was shooting the one from the helicopter I noticed there were some others on shelves. Many very old early models or just parts. They allowed me to photograph them. They didn't know what accidents many of the old ones were from. I just photographed them as objects. Older models of black boxes relied on tape and magnetic wire, eventually progressing to tape following technological advances . Mr Milstein carried out his research in Australia as the authorities in the US would not allow him to view wreckage there . Black boxes record flight data as well as conversations in the cockpit of planes, providing an insight into the final moments on board aircraft . 'When back in the US I contacted our Transportation Safety Board (TSB) but they would not allow photographs. One day I read that the black box was invented in Australia. So I ended up going to Canberra and photographing what they had. 'Only a few of the boxes had tags and I didn't try to find out where they all came from and I'm not sure they knew about the old ones. I think a few were not from crashes. 'They told me that they often did the analysis for a large area around there, including Indonesia. Apparently many TSBs return black boxes to the airlines. 'There seem to be a few primary manufacturers. Over the years they used magnetic wire and foil. And magnetic tape which fell into a slot in a box so it wouldn't get stuck on a reel. You can see that on one of the older boxes.'
Fascinating photographs show black boxes salvaged from the wreckage of plane and helicopter crashes . Jeffrey Milstein took the pictures to shed light on what happens to flight recorders after tragic accidents . Many of them are dented, mangled and even damaged by fire but they could still be used by crash investigators .