Intelligence: March 17, 2002

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The F-22 Raptor fighter will be provided with a Link-16 data link system. The Raptor collects intelligence information on enemy forces automatically, but to avoid detection, the plan has been for the F-22 to not transmit this to other aircraft. Now, with the great success shown by F-35 prototypes in data fusion, the Air Force wants the F-22, operating behind enemy lines, to send its data to the "great database in the sky" in real time so that other aircraft can utilize it.--Stephen V Cole