The Use of Drones for Lightning Research: Modeling of a Lightning Protection Faraday Cage for a Reusable Drone and Results of Laboratory Tests – Part 1

Abstract:
This paper presents further work done on the development of a reusable drone platform for the purpose of conducting lightning related research. Technical issues related to the design of a Faraday cage, which is used as the air termination and lightning protection of the drone, is discussed. Numeric modeling of electric and magnetic field effects on the airframe design as well as the results of laboratory tests are presented. The results show that the design may offer suitable protection for the drone during a direct lightning strike. The modified airframe is also able to maintain stable flight.