Performance of the Sandia Lightning Simulator during F-14A and F/A-18 Aircraft Lightning Tests

Abstract : Two Navy Aircraft (F-14A and F/A-18) were subjected to high-level lightning tests using the Sandia Lightning Simulator. The peak pulse currents applied were varied from 9 to 170 kiloamperes. The nominal rise time to peak was 2 microseconds. Double-pulse and continuing currents were also applied. Several high current, high voltage pulses were also obtained. Ninety-six test pulses were applied to the F-14A and sixty-four pulses were applied to the F/A-18. Approximately eighty percent of these pulses met the test specifications and essentially all pulses produced useful data.