THE airliners are designed to withstand lightning strikes and ensure the passenger safety and crew.
Several factors contribute to this resistance. First, the aircraft cabin is made of conductive materials such as aluminum and carbon composite. These materials allow the electrical energy to be dissipated along the outer surface of the aircraft, thus preventing lightning from passing through the interior of the aircraft.
Next, the aircraft is equipped with lightning protection systems, including lightning rods located on the wing tips, the rear of the aircraft and the top of the tail. These lightning rods capture electricity from lightning and direct it to the aircraft’s conductive surface, where it is then safely dissipated.
In addition, the aircraft’s electrical and electronic systems are protected by surge devices. These devices regulate and limit electrical voltage to prevent damage caused by lightning. Wiring inside the aircraft is also shielded to minimize potential electromagnetic interference.
The aircraft’s fuel tanks are also designed to reduce the risk of explosion in the event of a lightning strike. They are usually placed in protected areas and provided with grounding systems to dissipate static electricity.
Finally, the pilots are trained to deal with situations related to lightning. In the event of a lightning strike, they can follow specific procedures to assess the condition of the aircraft and take appropriate action to ensure flight safety.
In sum, lightning resistance is a fundamental aspect of modern aircraft design. With conductive materials, lightning rods, surge devices and proper pilot training, aircraft are able to deal with lightning strikes safely and efficiently, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. .
