Boeing files plans with the FCC for a smartphone that can self-destruct

Boeing’s mysterious smartphone,  the one that was supposed to have come out by the end of 2012, is now out of the bag. Boeing today posted a full breakdown of Black, a device aimed at defense and security customers. The FCC also published specifics on the hardware and software, including details on a feature that removes data if the device is opened up.

The world’s biggest aerospace company is jumping into the business of making high-security smartphones. Boeing Co. BA -0.13% filed plans this week with the Federal Communications Commission for a smartphone dubbed Boeing Black, which is designed for defense and security customers and won’t be available to average consumers. The phone is based on a modified version of Google Inc. GOOG +0.01% ‘s Android operating system. It takes Boeing beyond the jumbo jets, fighter planes and satellites for which it is known.