The Fairchild A100S Solid-State Cockpit Voice Recorder is designed as a solid-state replacement for earlier tape based models of the Fairchild Cockpit Voice Recorder and is compatible with all existing peripheral devices and support equipment. The A100S is directly compatible with ARINC 557 installations. The A100S accepts 4 channels of analog cockpit audio, converts the audio to digital format and stores the data in solid-state memory. The analog inputs are 3 crew microphones and an area microphone. The A100S has a minimum recording time of 30 minutes.

The A100S' Underwater Locator Beacon is mounted on the front of the unit. The A100S requires an operating temperature of -55°C to +85°C with a max altitude of +55,000 feet. The unit is housed in an International Orange stainless steel ½ ATR short ARINC 404 style box measuring at 7.50 inches high, 5.00 inches high. 12.5 inches long without the handle and 14.50 inches with the handle weighing approximately 18.4 pounds ± 5 pounds.