Lightning Protection of Revolving Aircraft Turrets

"The objective of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate a lightning protection system for rotating structures. Specifically, we plan to design a system compatible with a nose-mounted ball turret such as the one employed by Boeing in their AirborneLaser System. Conventional lightning protection schemes such as metal screens or coatings are not effective for rotational interfaces such as turrets. In the attempt to fly lightweight, durable structures, composite materials are a primary choice.However, these materials cannot withstand the large currents associated with lightning strikes. We are proposing a lightning protection system that combines the metal mesh/coating approach to lightning strike mitigation with the innovative Rotary BandContact concept developed here at Honeybee to provide a ground path for rotating composite structures. The lightning protection system proposed here will be compatible with nonstationary interfaces as those used in tanks, airborne systems, and rotary domesof all kinds."