Airborne Measurement of Electromagnetic Environment Near Thunderstorm Cells (Trip-76).
Abstract
The increasing use of digital equipment and nonmetallic structures on aerospace vehicles has focused new attention on the potential electromagnetic threat posed by the lightning and thunderstorm environment. To better define this threat, a quick reaction airborne lightning measurement effort was undertaken. Digital 'snapshot' data and continuous analog spectrum analyzer data were alternately recorded on an instrumented NASA Learjet during 29 flights. Recorded events included one direct lightning strike and many nearby strikes, as well as 'incipient lightning' streamers and non-lightning-associated signals. A comparison with nuclear EMP waveforms is given, indicating nearby lightning to be a far more energetic threat than EMP at low frequencies, and that it is non-negligible at 10 MHz and above.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA060875
Entities
People
- J. E. Nanevicz
- R. C. Adamo
- R. T. Bly Jr
Organizations
- SRI International