Recent Developments in Lightning Protection for Aircraft and Helicopters

The testing of aircraft components for new aircraft has introduced problems in trying to meet the specifications with new materials and construction techniques. Suggested is a more detailed analysis of the lightning characteristics in order that tests may be more precisely defined for specific aircraft components, as illustrated in swept-stroke studies. Of increasing concern is the performance of more vulnerable electronics systems for new aircraft, and guidelines are developed for simple calculation of approximate electric and magnetic fields to determine pulse penetration into the vehicle electrical and electronic systems. Requirements for testing of all plastic helicopter blades are also suggested.