UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 44: Science and Technology
Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct ?
- 1.They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection.
- 2.They record both the cockpit voice and flight data.
- 3.Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium.
Select the answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Black boxes are two recorders, the Cockpit Voice Recorder and the Flight Data Recorder, so statement 2 is right. They are painted bright orange for easy recovery, and the memory units sit in crash-survivable casings of stainless steel or titanium. The underwater locator beacon attached to them emits ultrasonic acoustic pings, not red light pulses, so statement 1 is wrong.
- 1. The underwater beacon sends ultrasonic pings, not red light pulses.
- 2. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder together are the black box.
- 3. The memory units are protected in stainless steel or titanium housings.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The underwater beacon sends ultrasonic pings, not red light pulses.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 2 or 3.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: the beacon emits ultrasonic pings, not red light.
- (b) Right: they record voice and data and are housed in steel or titanium.
- (c) Wrong: statement 1 is false.
- (d) Wrong: statement 1 is false.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.