Abstract: Lightning protection utilizing lightweight electrically conductive coatings with a conductance of approximately 220 to 350 mhos per square co-cured or secondarily bonded to the outer surface of thin skin composite structure. Selection of either 2 to 3 ounces per square yard or aluminum mesh of 1 to 1.5 ounces per square yard, depending on corrosion compatibility, satisfy the conductance requirement and has shown superior lightning protection over heavier weight conductive coatings.

Abstract: Lightning protection utilizing lightweight electrically conductive coatings with a conductance of approximately 220 to 350 mhos per square co-cured or secondarily bonded to the outer surface of thin skin composite structure. Selection of either 2 to 3 ounces per square yard or aluminum mesh of 1 to 1.5 ounces per square yard, depending on corrosion compatibility, satisfy the conductance requirement and has shown superior lightning protection over heavier weight conductive coatings.

Abstract: Lightning protection utilizing lightweight electrically conductive coatings with a conductance of approximately 220 to 350 mhos per square co-cured or secondarily bonded to the outer surface of thin skin composite structure. Selection of either 2 to 3 ounces per square yard or aluminum mesh of 1 to 1.5 ounces per square yard, depending on corrosion compatibility, satisfy the conductance requirement and has shown superior lightning protection over heavier weight conductive coatings.

Abstract: Lightning protection apparatus for an exterior structural surface includes an electrically insulating protective coating adhered to the exterior surface, and a plurality of conductive particles supported in the coating. The particles are spaced at distances greater than the dimension of the particles in a direction parallel to the surface. The dielectric strength of the coating is thereby weakened by bridging the thickness of the coating with the particles. This enables lightning attachment to occur at a multiplicity of points rather than at one point, thereby reducing interior sparking in an aircraft and minimizing structual damage to the surface of the aircraft.

Abstract: A composite material skin (42) is attached to a composite material support structure (26) by a plurality of metal lock bolts (64). A foraminous metal material (44) is embedded in the matrix of the outer layer of the skin (42) and positioned outwardly of reinforcing graphite fibers. The metal (44) is preferably copper in a knitted, woven, or expanded metal configuration. The metal (44) is in direct electrical contact with the graphite fibers to disperse current throughout the skin (42) and is sufficiently proximate to the lock bolts (64) to divert current away from the bolts (64). Each bolt (64) is surrounded by an expanded sleeve (74) and fits tightly within the sleeve (74) to provide good electrical contact between the bolt (64) and the skin (42). The inner end (70) of the bolt (64) has parallel grooves (72) thereon, and a collar (76) is swaged onto the end (70) to prevent arc plasma from escaping into the interior of the aircraft.

Abstract: An ionization-type lightning diverter strip structure having improved environmental edge and tip sealing. Semi-conductive particle edge configurations and particle distribution geometries for improved streamer formation include forward strip and conductive particle termination and particle distribution geometries having variation along the length of the ionization-type lightning diverter strip structures and multilayer particle distribution geometries to resist particle impact erosion (e.g. rain erosion).

Abstract: A flush, zero drag discharger system for dissipating static electric charges from surfaces of high performance aircraft and similar vehicles which is capable of withstanding a severe lightning environment without substantial degradation of the system. The discharger system includes a configuration of the vehicle secondary structure into non-electrically conductive areas, conductive high corona threshold areas, and controlled low corona threshold electrostatic discharge areas which are protected from the detrimental effects of lightning by the utilization of ionization-type lightning diverters.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the detection and counting of the number of lightning discharges on the skin of an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a sensor electrode for the detection of such discharge, an electronic circuit for generating and shaping a pulse at each detection interval, and a circuit for counting and displaying such pulses.