METHOD OF PROTECTION OF HELICOPTER FUEL TANKS AGAINST THERMAL EFFECT OF LIGHTNING CURRENT Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: aeronautical engineering; lightning protection of flying vehicles including protection of helicopter fuel tanks against thermal effect of lightning current. SUBSTANCE: method includes application of dielectric coat and conducting surface coat on surface of metal fuel tank. Non-conducting enamels are applied on dielectric coat, after which metal powder is applied by spraying on last layer before hardening for forming conducting surface layer. For deeper penetration of powder, it is sprayed at vibration of fuel tank. Optimal material for spraying is metallic nickel or other agent possessing low resistance to electrical current. Dielectric coat and conducting surface layer for fuel tanks of helicopter are located on lower part of tanks to height h = 0.35 to 0.45 H, where H is height of fuel tank and h is height of application of dielectric coat. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency of lightning protection at small mass of coat. 4 cl, 4 dwg