Parameters of High-Voltage Discharges on Helicopter Rotor Blades and Related Electromagnetic Interference

Parameters of pulsed electric discharges arising between insulated metal parts of helicopter rotor blades, which generate electromagnetic interferences for onboard radio stations operating in the very short wave (VSW) and ultrashort wave (USW) bands have been studied. These discharges appear as a result of the in-flight engine-driven differential charging of helicopters. In-flight and laboratory experiments were used to determine the range of discharge voltages and currents and the amplitude and spectral characteristic of electromagnetic interferences produced by these discharges for onboard antennas.