How are Airplanes Protected from Lightning?Compared to systems on the ground, the situation is slightly different in aircraft. Of course, there is no direct connection between the plane and the ground. However, there are other mechanisms to perform this function. Since the aircraft is a closed system within itself, it does not need a grounding connection. There are small metal protrusions on the wing and rear edge of the tail to discharge the static charge accumulated on the aircraft. When the plane lands, the electricity accumulated on it during the flight can be discharged with this type of electrical grounding. The length of lightning sometimes reaches 9 kilometers. It is effective in an area of 15 kilometers around it. In measurements, the temperature at the center of the lightning reaches up to 40 thousand degrees. Such a powerful formation, of course, affects aircraft. Sometimes it shakes, sometimes it causes damage, and it paints the inside of the plane in a frightening light color like infrared. His voice scares the passengers. But still, planes have a strong structure against lightning. Even though they get damaged every now and then, they can withstand such a powerful sky whip.Lightning Interference in AirplanesLightning is one of nature’s most powerful natural phenomena. These powerful electrical discharges can hit many places on the earth and in the atmosphere and cause great damage.

One of the natural events that planes are exposed to while traveling in the air is lightning. Lightning usually occurs as a result of the sudden balancing of the electrical charge difference in the atmosphere. Airplanes can also be exposed to high voltage and current when intercepting lightning. This can lead to serious damage to the aircraft’s electrical and electronic systems, fires, and mechanical damage to the aircraft fuselage. Therefore, various measures are taken to protect aircraft from lightning. Lightning Protection Methods for Airplanes Faraday Cage: Faraday cage is a conductive structure that keeps electric fields out or traps them inside. The Faraday cage used in aircraft consists of a conductive material integrated into the outer surface of the aircraft body. Lightning carries high voltage and current when it strikes the aircraft fuselage. The Faraday cage also transfers the energy of lightning to the outside by spreading it throughout the body, and thanks to its conductive structure, the electric current is distributed across the body surface and prevented from reaching the interior parts. Thus, passengers and electronic systems inside the aircraft are not affected by lightning.

Static Electricity Discharge Systems: Static electricity discharge systems are an important solution used to keep the lightning hazard to a minimum level by preventing or reducing the accumulation of static electricity in aircraft. Airplanes accumulate static electric charges due to the friction of the air as they move through the air during flight. This charge accumulation can concentrate on the surface of the aircraft fuselage and increase the risk of lightning strikes. Static electricity discharge systems minimize the damage that may be caused by lightning by keeping this accumulation under control. Static electricity discharge systems consist of metal strips or conductive wires integrated into the aircraft body. These conductive structures are placed in various parts of the aircraft body, and the static electric charges accumulated in the body are transferred to these conductive strips or wires and quickly discharged to the ground.

Lightning Rods: Lightning rods are another important component used to reduce the risk of lightning strikes in aircraft and ensure flight safety. It generally consists of metal rods placed on the outer surfaces of aircraft such as the nose, wings and tail. These rods enable the control of electric current by making the aircraft fuselage the center of attraction for lightning. The rods collect the static electrical charge that accumulates in the fuselage and provide a way to attract lightning. In case of a lightning strike, the electric current on the rods is transferred to the fuselage, and this current passes safely through the aircraft body and is discharged to the ground.