LIGHTNING PROTECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A deployable lightning protection apparatus particularly suited for use with an aircraft radome comprises a source of electrically conducting fluid, a deliver apparatus which delivers the conducting fluid flow across to the surface of the radome prior to a lightning strike; and a control unit for controlling the delivery apparatus. The conducting fluid across the outer surface of the radome provides a conductive path for the passage of electrical current resulting from a lightning strike and dissipating said current without damage to the radome. The apparatus allows lightning protection to be deployed in response to a change in atmospheric conditions indicative of a high probability of lightning strike and removed when the danger of lightning strike has passed.