A350_XWB_lightning_test

Airbus has announced that it has completed lightning strike testing for the A350 XWB at its Clément Ader facility in Colomiers, France.

This development completes a key required step in preparations for the maiden flight of the next-generation Airbus A350 XWB jetliner.

The ‘electromagnetic hazard’ evaluations were conducted on the second A350 XWB flight test aircraft, MSN3, to demonstrate necessary protection levels in case of lightning strikes in-flight, according to Airbus.

The aerostructure of the A350 XWB is made primarily of composite materials such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic, which provides more electrical resistance compared with an aerostructure comprising mostly of metallics.

In order to ensure the A350 XWB aerostructure safely manages lightning strikes, Airbus has developed a solution where metallic foils are incorporated into the composite panels of the aeroplane, which increases the electrical conductivity and protects harnesses of aerostructure with metallic conduits.

"Airbus has developed a solution where metallic foils are incorporated into the composite panels of the aeroplane, which increases the electrical conductivity and protects harnesses of aerostructure with metallic conduits."

Airbus stated that metallic foils were already used on the A380 rear fuselage section, however as the A350 XWB comprises a majority of composite materials, it is crucial to ensure that such foils provide adequate protection for systems and equipment.

The A350 XWB ‘electromagnetic hazard’ testing on MSN3, which was conducted over a three-day period, included lightning strike simulations and follow-up measurements of induced voltage/current levels on selected harnesses.

Evaluations use low-level current injection instead of the actual electrical current level generated by a lightning strike, with the measured voltages and current then extrapolated to the real threat of 200,000amp.

Testing will continue on the MSN4 aircraft in 2014. However, it will involve longer tests in order to meet the requirements for type certification of A350-900 version.

Image: The A350 XWB ‘electromagnetic hazard’ testing on MSN3 included lightning strike simulations and follow-up measurements of induced voltage/current levels on selected harnesses. Photo: courtesy of Airbus SAS.

Defence Technology