Design protection for all kinds of aircraft & other applications
We provide design services for all kinds of aircraft Including fixed wing, helicopters and eVTOL as well as wind turbines, ships employing carbon fiber and any facility that can experience damage from lightning strikes. We have long standing experience with compliance with applicable airworthiness regulations and test standards published by FAA, EASA, RTCA, and the IEC standards applicable to wind turbines. We also know how to design for compliance with the IEC and NFPA standards for ground-based facilities.
Element Lightning Technologies has provided lightning protection design and validation for major aircraft and space vehicles and launch facilities including NASA Space Shuttle and KSC launch complexes. Additional clients include: GE, FAA, Hamilton Sundstrand, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, Typhoon Lagoon, and Animal Kingdom parks.

Analysis and Testing of Systems and Subsystems to Determine Optimum Protection
Element Lightning Technologies engineers and technicians are recognized experts in the field of lightning protection. The electrical characteristics of the different types of lightning flashes, and the resulting surges and fields from a strike, are complex.
Engineers have found that to study the effects of lightning upon a structure or system, it is most efficient to isolate the components of the lightning waveforms and electrical/magnetic fields and to evaluate their effects through individual simulations. Our lab includes specialized and unique equipment to simulate all the electrical characteristics of natural lightning as well as the transients it induces in electrical and electronic systems.
From avionics to military equipment, our lightning testing gives manufacturers the data they need to produce robust components and systems designed to remain operational even when surges resulting from lightning strikes occur.
Simulation and Modeling for Direct & Indirect Effects Lightning
Simulation and Modeling of structures and systems, to complement our testing capabilities. We use the COMSOL Multiphysics platform. This is useful when we are assisting with designs of protection for as-yet unbuilt structures or equipment. We have the advantage that we have everyday familiarity with how lightning currents behave throughout airframes and other structures, and so can validate our models (and know when modeling is not needed).
Our finite element analysis capabilities allow us to perform complex simulations to accurately model the interaction of lightning with a variety of aircraft and avionics components for our customers. By decomposing complex CAD-generated objects into meshable geometrical shapes, we are able to accurately portray the lightning environment on high fidelity renditions of real objects.
Multiple Stroke and Multiple Burst
The flickering seen in a lightning strike to the ground actually is caused by a series of current strokes, the electrical characteristics of which are called multiple stroke. On the other hand, inter- and intracloud lightning has very different electrical characteristics, referred to as multiple stroke and multiple burst, and require that aerospace electronic systems that perform critical or essential functions be tested against the effects of both types of lightning. We have the most versatile facility for both multiple stroke and multiple burst testing.
Static Electricity
We perform many types of static electricity tests. These procedures simulate the range of static effects: from those occurring on aircraft that can exceed 100,000 volts to the
small, but potentially hazardous voltages, produced by manufacturing and material handling operations.
Research and Development
Our capabilities include R&D for designs of new lightning protection methods and products for advanced air vehicles, systems, equipment and materials. We have collaborated with several small businesses in seeking funding and support for US Government Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants through Phase II and beyond. We look forward to working with you to achieve similar success.