Electrostatic and Hydrodynamic Properties of Ball Lightning and Its Interaction with Airplanes

Analysis of recent investigations connected with the Ball Lightning (BL) has been made. Four directions are under the consideration: collection and statistical analysis of observational data, theoretical models and experimental analogues. The properties of BL as a highly energetic object with the material framework are analyzed. The model of BL as the polymer dielectric structure is described. Experiments with the participation of polymer components in gas discharges are observed. Theoretical results allowed consider the encounter of airplanes with BL and foresee measures for airplane protection.