The innovative project - led by Controls and Data Services (part of the Rolls-Royce Group) and which also includes Newcastle University in the role of design authority and TT Electronics Semelab - is exploring the use of Raytheon's and Newcastle University's HiTSic technology to make Current Limiting Diodes (CLDs); a new kind of lightning protection device which stands to reduce the amount of electrical energy traditional suppressors have to deal with during a lightning strike.

"With today's composite materials replacing metallic components and skin materials, the reduced electrical screening in airframes is forcing a rethink of lightning protection architectures," said John Kennedy, head of Raytheon UK's Integrated Power Solutions.

"Current Limiting Diodes will essentially absorb much of the electrical energy that the dampening device would otherwise have to channel during a lightning strike."

The two-phase project, funded under Innovate UK, is currently in phase one; Newcastle University is conducting electrical characterization tests while TT Electronics Semelab develops the CLD packaging.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2015.

For further information please visit:
http://www.raytheon.co.uk/news/feature/rtn_lightningstrikes.html
or
http://www.pointthepower.com/raytheon-and-rolls-royce-develop-sic-diodes-for-lightning-protection/