Edward R Barnes

US Patent:

20210300588, Sep 30, 2021

Filed:

Mar 26, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/830866

Inventors:

- Palo Alto CA, US
Edward Barnes - Palo Alto CA, US

Assignee:

Aerion Intellectual Property Management Corporation - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

B64D 45/02
B64C 1/12
B32B 15/20

Abstract:

A lightning strike protection (LSP) system minimizes or eliminates both the direct and indirect effects of lightning strikes on aircraft with composite fuselages without adding excessive weight to the aircraft. The LSP system comprises an external current return network and an internal current return network. The internal current return network comprises a wide plane of conductive foil material adhered to, or embedded within, an innermost surface of the fuselage and other portions of the aircraft formed primarily of composite materials. The conductive foil material is provided in wide planar sheets, and in one embodiment, is formed of expanded copper foil mesh. The internal current return network is installed in all areas or zones of the aircraft where cables and wires are routed.