Lightning protection system for composite aircraft structures

A protection system against electric discharges, especially lightnings, for aircraft structural components, comprising a metal mesh (1) covering the outer face of the entire surface exposed to lightning impacts; a part or washer (2) of insulating material which is placed inside the internal part (I.P.) to be fastened; a metal material strip (3) located outside the row of fastening elements (R) whose insertion is made during the same curing process of the structural component, later on drilling and countersinking said component for the installation of the fastening elements (R); and an organic finishing (O.F.) covering the entire structure, including the head of the fastening element (R). The invention is applicable to fuel tanks manufactured with composite materials.