Japan develops airborne lightning arrester

The device can be 'immune' to peak currents of up to 150kA - about five times stronger than the intensity of a normal lightning strike.

Simulation image of an aerial lightning arrester - Photo: newatlas.com

Scientists from Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) Corporation on May 16 announced an impressive breakthrough in the field of disaster prevention technology: a drone capable of blocking lightning strikes in mid-air.

According to NTT, these special drones are equipped with an advanced electric field oscillation system. Their unique operating mechanism is to actively create a difference in electric fields, thereby attracting forming lightning. When the electric field is strong enough, the device will be launched to guide the lightning to strike a predetermined location.

Tests have demonstrated the extraordinary endurance of the protective cage, which covers 98% of the aircraft's surface.

Accordingly, this device can be "immune" to a maximum current of up to 150kA - about 5 times stronger than the intensity of a normal lightning strike. Thanks to that, the device still maintains absolute stability during the flight, even after suffering a direct "attack" from nature.

With outstanding success in the tests, NTT researchers are planning to deploy a network of "lightning trap" flying devices in urban areas and around key structures.

This ambitious goal aims to minimize loss of life and property caused by lightning strikes, while significantly improving public safety.

According to statistics, lightning strikes cause an estimated $702 million to $1.4 billion in damage to Japan each year. This promising airborne "lightning trap" technology is expected to be a breakthrough solution, helping Japan significantly reduce the risks and economic burden caused by lightning.

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VNA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhat-ban-phat-trien-thiet-bi-chan-set-tren-khong-20250517080845357.htm