scope:

INTRODUCTION

This AOP discusses the factors to be assessed in determining if munitions or weapon systems and their launching platforms (according to the applicability of STANAG 4327) are at hazard from events associated with lightning phenomena. It also gives guidance concerning the lightning hazard assessment requirements of STANAG 4327. The first part of this AOP describes the lightning discharge process together with the relevant properties of lightning, and relates them to the hazards experienced by weapon systems and munitions. It discusses the ways in which lightning may interact with weapon systems or munitions, the consequent effects and the various mechanisms by which damage may be inflicted. It also indicates how protection design and test parameters are derived from the physical properties of lightning. It should be read in conjunction with STANAG 4327 and STANAG 4236, 'Lightning environmental conditions affecting the design of material for use by the NATO Forces', which gives numerical values of the lightning parameters that are to be used in the design of munitions and weapon systems.