Typical Lightning Induced Field Levels and Transients on Internal Wiring of Small General Aviation Aircraft

Measurements of lightning-induced transients in typical electrical circuits installed within a small, conventional aluminum airplane fuselage have been made as part of a comprehensive assessment of the effects of direct lightning strikes and high intensity radiated frequency (HIRF) fields on avionic systems installed within small aircraft. These measurements were conducted in support of development of design guidelines for installation and certification of advanced avionics in small aircraft, under a U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program aimed at developing technology to enable advanced avionic systems to be installed in new small airplanes or to be retrofitted into existing airplanes. This paper presents examples and summaries of lightning-related magnetic fields and resulting induced voltage and current transients within a small 4-place Mooney aluminum fuselage and engine nacelle.