Interference protection from lightning discharges associated with type of unmanned aerial vehicle shield

The purpose of the study was to test typical materials used in aviation to protect the electronics of unmanned aerial vehicles from overvoltages resulting from impulsed electromagnetic fields. This disturbance arises during lightning and can threaten all electrical and electronic systems located in close proximity to the phenomenon. The increasing use of drones requires them to operate in harsh atmospheric conditions, so the topic of protection against the effects of lightning-induced surges is very important to ensure their safety during flight. The study was carried out using a surge pulse generator connected to a large capacitor (with the dimensions of the covers 2x2 m). A drone enclosure was placed inside it, which was then attempted to protect it using a different number of layers, of different materials (aluminum, copper and fiberglass). The results of the experiments and the conclusions of the research make it possible to determine both the optimal solution to protect the drones from the negative effects of close lightning and can be the basis for further development of a mathematical model that allows the creation of simulations of the described phenomena for different solutions. • Using unmanned aerial vehicles nearby thunderstorm is possible only with strong shielding protection level. • Type of material is important for the protection level. • Electromagnetic field protection is necessary beware lightning electromagnetic pulse. • Carbon fiber allows interference to penetrate the enclosure. • More layers than two does not provide any benefits beware lightning electromagnetic pulse penetration.