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Article | REF: TRP4001 V1

Lightning-strike in aeronautics

Authors: Pierre LAROCHE, Philippe LALANDE, Jean-Philippe PARMANTIER, François ISSAC, Laurent CHEMARTIN

Publication date: November 10, 2013

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ABSTRACT

Thunderstorms and lightning strikes, phenomena whose characteristics depend on a large number of parameters, are the most feared atmospheric events by the air fleet. The protection of aircraft and helicopters is necessary for passenger safety. More generally, these events generate major disruptions in air traffic. This article deals with the mechanisms leading to lightning strike on an aircraft, its consequences, as well as the detailed study of the direct and indirect effects of lightning.

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AUTHORS

  • Pierre LAROCHE: Emeritus Advisor, Physical Measurements Department ONERA, Châtillon sous Bagneux

  • Philippe LALANDE: Doctor of Science, Physical Measurements Department ONERA, Châtillon sous Bagneux

  • Jean-Philippe PARMANTIER: Doctor of Science, Electromagnetism and Radar Department ONERA, Toulouse

  • François ISSAC: Engineer, Electromagnetism and Radar Department ONERA, Toulouse

  • Laurent CHEMARTIN: Doctor of Science, Physical Measurements Department ONERA, Toulouse

 INTRODUCTION

Among the atmospheric events to which civil and military aviation are exposed, thunderstorms and lightning are dreaded by crews and air traffic controllers alike. Protecting airplanes and helicopters against the effects of lightning strikes is an imperative necessity for flight safety, and is taken into account by aircraft manufacturers and by the authorities responsible for authorizing aircraft operations. Thunderstorms, at all latitudes, remain a particularly dangerous environment for aviation; today, they are a cause of air traffic disruption, resulting in delays, flight cancellations and the temporary closure of airport hubs.

This article covers the following points:

  • the mechanisms that lead to aircraft being struck by lightning in flight, and the main properties of thunderstorms and lightning (§ 1 );

  • the consequences of a lightning strike on flight safety, as well as experience gained from accidents and incidents since the beginnings of modern civil aviation (§ 2 );

  • lightning qualification: the standards applied and the test methods used by the civil aviation authorities to authorize an aircraft to fly in thunderstorm conditions (§ 3 );

  • direct effects of lightning, damage to materials and equipment (§...

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