Abstract: Lightning protection system (1) for aircraft structures, comprising a fastening element (4) for attaching an internal structure (63) to an external structure (62), and a composite material providing lightning protection to areas surrounding the fastening element (4), the lightning protection system (1) comprising at least one conductive layer (2, 3) embedded in the matrix of said composite material and in proximity to the fastening element (4), the conductive layer (2, 3) comprising conductive nanoparticles dispersed within its structure.

Abstract: Composite structures and a method for improving the electromagnetic characteristics of composite structures produces epoxy nanofibres during the lay-up of structural elements of carbon fibre composite laminates. The epoxy nanofibres are fabricated by electro-spinning and may be doped with carbon nanotubes or other conducting nanoparticles. The nanofibres are selectively applied to one or more carbon fibre plys in a controlled manner of distribution.

Abstract: An aircraft telescopic in-flight refueling mast comprising a metallic structural beam (31), electrically connected to the aircraft by flexible conductive means (33), having inside a fixed metallic tube (11) and a metallic telescopic tube (11) providing the fuel conduit, and, attached to said beam (31), flight control surfaces (41) and protection means against electric discharges, specially lightning strikes and electro-static discharges, including insulated means (39, 51) and low conductive means (15, 17) for reducing the lightning currents at a safe level and for draining the static charge created during the refueling, and conductive means (19, 21, 23, 33, 43) providing a safe lightning current path and good electrical bonding for electro-static discharge.