Lightweight Material Solution for Lightning Survivability

The effects of lighting discharge on a missile can be catastrophic to the underlying missile structure or electrical components, thereby reducing mission reliability. Reducing weight also improves fuel efficiency, allowing flight assets to go further, faster or allows for the flexibility for larger payloads. Replacing heavier metal components with composite materials allows for weight savings and new manufacturing methods which can allow new design possibilities for electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) engineers. During this effort, Veelo will draw from past experience in E3 materials development to demonstrate a new class of conductive material to protect missile structures from lightning direct effects, which can occur during launch, and reduce missile reliability. The continued drive to reduce weight and enhance performance of flight assets or improve mission reliability is imperative to provide every advantage possible. Veelo will focus on material solutions and systems which ensure that lightning attachment points move aft quickly and do not result in damage to underlying features and minimize weight, size, and power requirements. Approved for Public Release | 24-MDA-11906 (16 Sep 24)