![]() We’ve come a long way, and now we’re extending our reach as a coalition force and what we will accomplish together.” ![]() Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa commander.“The Valkyries are leading our F-35 integration across Europe. “Our coalition forces train and fight in the most dynamic theater, requiring the most advanced platforms,” said Gen. Announced in 2015, the long-anticipated arrival of the F-35 marks RAF Lakenheath as the first base in United States Air Forces in Europe to receive the new fifth generation aircraft. This is the result of a force posture adjustment that has been six years in the making. If the aircraft is equipped with gyro-magnetic compasses, it may be recommended that one of the compasses is selected to gyro while there is a risk of lightning.RAF Lakenheath received its first delivery of F-35A Lightning II aircraft December 15. If flying in the vicinity of cumulonimbus clouds, or lightning is seen close to the aircraft, then review manufacturer's guidelines for action to be taken in the event of a lightning strike.The dangers from Turbulence, Low Level Wind Shear, and In-Flight Icing associated with Cumulonimbus clouds are far greater than the threat of Lightning. Avoidance. Standard advice to pilots is to remain at least 20 nautical miles displaced from any Cumulonimbus (Cb) cloud.See separate article on Lightning Strike Risk to Engines. Engine Shutdown. Transient airflow disturbance associated with lightning may cause engine shutdown on both FADEC and non-FADEC engines on aircraft with close-spaced engine pairs.Interference with Avionics. A lightning strike can effect avionics systems, particularly compasses.Crew Incapacitation. Momentary blindness from the lightning flash, especially at night, is not uncommon.Nevertheless, there have been many incidents of lightning strikes leaving puncture holes in the radomes and tail fins of aircraft (entry and exit holes) and damage to control mechanisms and surfaces (see Further Reading). Aircraft Damage. Structural damage to aircraft from Lightning strikes is rare and even more rarely of a nature that threatens the safety of the aircraft.Image courtesy of NASA (NSSTC Lightning Team) Effects Map showing the uneven distribution of lightning strikes across the globe. The following map shows the uneven distribution of lightning strikes across the globe. Lightning may also occur in Volcanic Ash clouds formed in the immediate vicinity of eruptions because the vertical movement and collision between solid particles within the cloud generates static charges. ![]() Of greater concern is the potential for the transient airflow disturbance associated with lightning to cause engine shutdown on both Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and non-FADEC engines with close-spaced engine pairs. Damage is usually confined to aerials, compasses, avionics, and the burning of small holes in the fuselage. A lightning strike can be very distressing to passengers (and crew!) but significant physical damage to an aircraft is rare and the safety of an aircraft in flight is not usually affected. Lightning is accompanied by a brilliant flash of light and often by the smell of burning, as well as noise. Lightning strikes on aircraft commonly occur within 5,000 feet of the freezing level. An aircraft passing close to an area of charge can initiate a discharge and this may occur some distance from a Thunderstorm. Beneath the cloud, a "shadow" positive charge is created on the ground and, as the charge builds, eventually a circuit is created and discharges takes place between the cloud and the ground, or between the cloud and another cloud. ![]() Lightning occurs as a result of a build up of static charges within a Cumulonimbus (Cb) cloud, often associated with the vertical movement and collision of ice particles ( Hail), which result in a negative charge at the base of the cloud and a positive charge at the top of the cloud. A lightning strike can be very distressing to passengers and crew but damage to an aircraft in flight which is sufficient to compromise the safety of the aircraft is rare. Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity.
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