The F-22 Raptor features a secret kill switch that erases all data during crashes, protecting secrets but preventing engineers from analyzing failures, sparking debate over its security versus operational risks.
The revelation of the 'secret kill switch' in the US Air Force's F-22 Raptor has drawn global attention. The F-22 fighter jet, which is known for its power-packed performance and advanced weapons, now carries a system designed to erase all the data from the jet in case it falls down or suffers a severe shock.
The 'Kill Switch' is actually a 'self-destruct' system which can be used in case the aircraft crashes or gets into an abnormal situation. The program will activate automatically and will erase all the data, including mission files, flight control programmes, technical data, etc., to ensure that no sensitive information is jeopardized.
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Unlike a simple button, it is a self-destruction programme which will activate at any unusual situation and will wipe out the entire database within seconds, preventing the enemies from obtaining critical information.
F-22 holds highly sensitive systems that are important for the security of the United States. In case the fighter jet is downed in a hostile territory, the enemies can reverse-engineer the technology. The Kill Switch eliminates that risk.
The system combines hardware and software. The sensors detect any unusual shocks and trigger the data deletion process. This ensures that no secrets are ever obtained by the enemies.
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As useful as it sounds, critics underlined that in case the fighter jet crashes into a friendly territory, the system will erase the data that can later be used to understand the reason for any failures in the jet. It reduces the learning opportunities. An analyst said that the system will protect the national secrets, but sometimes at the cost of progress.
There are concerns that the F-35 Lightning II might also come up with similar technology. Some speculate that remote shutdown capabilities, but the Pentagon has denied the claims.
