Aviation

What Happens When Lightning Strikes an Airplane?

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In the world, lightning strikes about 3 billion times a year and kills an average of 6000 people. Lightning strikes on commercial planes are daily occurrences. In, fact, aircraft often trigger lightning when flying through a heavily charged region of a cloud. In these instances, the lightning flash originates at the airplane and extends away in opposite directions.

For safety reasons, planes hit by lightning mid-flight undergo inspection after landing but in most cases, the aircraft is either unharmed or only minor damaged but it costs airline more than $2 billion per year. Prior to the next flight, the aircraft is grounded and thoroughly inspected for damage, affecting its availability.

How does it work ? MCAS Boeing 737 Max System.

The last major accident caused by lightning was in 1967, when lightning cased a catastrophic fuel tank explosion. since then, more techniques have been determined to reduce the threat of lightning.
Although passengers and crew can see a flash and hear a loud noise, if lightning strikes their plane, nothing serious should happen because of the lightning protection in the aircraft. Initially, the lightning will strike to a nose or wing tip. the airplanes then flies through the lightning flash. The current will travel through the conductive exterior skin and structure of the aircraft and exits through the tail.

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Most aircraft skins consist primarily of aluminium. which conducts electricity very well. Some modern aircraft like Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350 are made of advanced composite material like carbon fibers, resulting in a reduced electrical conductivity of the fuselage and wings.

Bottom line, lightning strikes are not a severe problem from a safety issue. If the plane diverts its route, it is mainly because of hail, rather than lightning.

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Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.