Japanese researchers have successfully developed a drone capable of triggering and directing lightning strikes, marking a significant advancement in storm control technology.
This innovation, spearheaded by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), aims to protect infrastructure and explore the potential of harnessing lightning energy.
How the Lightning-Triggering Drone Works
The drone is encased in a specially designed Faraday cage, a conductive enclosure that safeguards its internal electronics by channeling electrical currents around the exterior.
Equipped with protruding antennas to attract lightning, the drone is tethered to the ground via a 300-meter conductive wire connected to a high-voltage switch.
During testing in December 2024, the drone was deployed into storm clouds over Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture.
Upon activation of the ground switch, the system successfully induced a lightning strike, which the drone endured with only partial melting of its protective cage, maintaining stable flight throughout the event .
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Potential Applications and Future Prospects
NTT envisions deploying fleets of these drones to safeguard areas where traditional lightning rods are impractical, such as wind farms and outdoor stadiums.
Beyond protection, the company is investigating methods to capture and store the immense energy from lightning strikes.
However, current energy storage technologies face challenges in handling the rapid and vast energy influx from lightning, necessitating further research into suitable solutions .
Japanese researchers have successfully developed a drone capable of triggering and directing lightning strikes, marking a significant advancement in storm control technology.
This innovation, spearheaded by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), aims to protect infrastructure and explore the potential of harnessing lightning energy.
How the Lightning-Triggering Drone Works
The drone is encased in a specially designed Faraday cage, a conductive enclosure that safeguards its internal electronics by channeling electrical currents around the exterior.
Equipped with protruding antennas to attract lightning, the drone is tethered to the ground via a 300-meter conductive wire connected to a high-voltage switch.
During testing in December 2024, the drone was deployed into storm clouds over Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture.
Upon activation of the ground switch, the system successfully induced a lightning strike, which the drone endured with only partial melting of its protective cage, maintaining stable flight throughout the event .
---
Potential Applications and Future Prospects
NTT envisions deploying fleets of these drones to safeguard areas where traditional lightning rods are impractical, such as wind farms and outdoor stadiums.
Beyond protection, the company is investigating methods to capture and store the immense energy from lightning strikes.
However, current energy storage technologies face challenges in handling the rapid and vast energy influx from lightning, necessitating further research into suitable solutions .
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