Rocket-Triggered Lightning Experiments at Camp Blanding, Florida

Classical and altitude rocket-and-wire techniques for triggering lightning discharges are described. New insights into lightning processes gained from triggered-lightning experiments are discussed. Important findings include (1) the characterization of the close (within tens to hundreds of meters) lightning electromagnetic environment, (2) direct evidence of the upward connecting discharge in a dart leader/return stroke sequence, and (3) discovery of the mechanism of the lightning M component. Preliminary results of the triggered-lightning testing of an airport runway lighting system are briefly reviewed.