Lightning protection testing of the E-6 wing tip antenna pod/HF probe

Abstract

A brief summary is presented of lightning tests conducted on the US Navy E-6 aircraft wing tip antenna pod/HF probe in accordance with MIL-STD-1757 to demonstrate compliance with MIL-B-5087B lightning protection requirements. The tests were conducted on a 22 ft full-sized electrically representative model of the pod/HF probe. Three types of tests were conducted. Long arc attachment tests (MIL-STD-1757 test method T01) were performed to determine the lightning arc entry angle. Direct effects testing (method T02) was conducted to examine the extent of damage which could result from a direct attachment of a high-current lightning strike to the pod. Indirect effects testing (method T05) was conducted to assess the voltage levels induced on equipment cables that result from lightning strike attachment. The waveforms applied, test article configurations, and current injection points were chosen to represent worst-case conditions. Test operations and test results are discussed.<>