Lightning resistant aircraft structure and method of retrofitting a structure

摘要

The invention provides a structure for an aircraft which prevents puncture of composite skins when they are struck by lightning. The structure comprises a composite skin (1) having an outer face intended to be exposed to open air and at least one inner face, and a ballistic material layer (2). The ballistic material layer is provided on an inner face of the composite skin which is not intended to be exposed to open air. The invention also provides an aircraft comprising this structure, a method of upgrading an aircraft and a use of a ballistic material layer as protection against lightning impact in an aircraft structure.