Validity of the lightning elimination claim

Since 1971 when commercial devices that employ the point-discharge phenomenon were introduced, their manufacturers repeatedly changed their explanation regarding how such devices would eliminate lightning. This was done in response to on-going criticism from the scientific community. The name of those devices was also changed from lightning eliminators/dissipation arrays (DAS) to charge transfer systems (CTS). This paper summarizes and rebuts both past and present theories that have been proposed by the manufacturers. It also discusses manufacturers' claim of success and explains why eliminating lightning is still considered to be not feasible. Finally, comments are given regarding the attempts of the manufacturers to get a standard for their devices.