Weight Optimized Mitigation to Direct Effects of Lightning Strike on a Missile Body

While lightning protection has been applied to various small diameter composite missiles, large diameter composite missiles also require viable lightweight solutions for minimizing or eliminating direct lightning strike effects without significantly reducing battle space performance. For purposes of this proposal, our team will focus on the development of lightning strike protection surface skins (or appliques) fabricated from flexible, lightweight high temperature films, fabrics, metallic foils and adhesives. The proposed Lightning Strike Protective Applique (LSPA) system will be based on Arc-Root Dispersion technology and be readily adaptable to composite [e.g., Carbon Fiber Composite (CFC)], outer structures of relevant missile platforms with special focus on application to the composite motor case housings of the missile structure. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-8047 (14 Nov 14)