3 Types of Radome Lightning Protection
Type 1: Hybrid Design: Metal Bar & StrikeTape Segmented Lightning Diverters
A hybrid lightning diverter design combines the following in a nose radome:
- Metal Bar Diverters
- Segmented Lightning Diverter strips such as StrikeTape
The basic principal of the hybrid design is to use metal bar diverters outside of the RF window and StrikeTape in the window. This approach has two main benefits for large hemispherical radomes like the Boeing 757, 767, or 777.
- It produces high RF transmissivity for the radome.
- It forces streamer and leader development along the StrikeTape which significantly enhances the ability of the diverters to protect the radome.
A Hybrid Lightning Diverter Design
Learn More in This Short Video By Lightning Protection Expert, Allen Hall
Type 2: Segmented Lightning Diverters Only
StrikeTape segmented lightning diverters provide excellent, durable lightning protection when used on their own. Learn more about StrikeTape in this short video.
Learn More Below
Type 3: Metal Bar Diverters Only
It is not advisable in most applications to use only metal bar diverters, which are not RF-transparent.
Because metal bar diverters will be detectable in the RF window, they cannot extend as far down a nose radome as is necessary to prevent lightning puncture damage.
Where metal bar diverters are required, it's best to go with a hybrid design in which StrikeTape--which is RF-transparent--will extend farther down the nose radome, providing additional lightning protection without interfering with radar.
Learn More About Radome Puncture Damage in this Short Video
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