LIGHTNING AND SURGE PROTECTIVE DEVICES FOR SURVIVABILITY OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

The proper functioning of an aircraft depends upon the reliability of its electrical systems. Circuit pollution by foreign electrical pulses endangers the survival of essential systems. Natural surges such as lightning, and equipment self-generated surges cannot be avoided entirely, but their effects can be minimized using appropriate lightning and surge protective devices.

The surge problem is difficult to cope with; designers often ignore or postpone the problem for lack in knowledge both as to its definition and what to do about it. A cursory treatment of one kind of protector, using sparkgap devices, is presented here for protection against direct and induced lightning strikes, electromagnetic pulses, static charges and equipment self-generated surges.