US Patent 8146861 - Lightning protection for aircraft using CNT material

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8146861.html


This patent from Airbus Deutschland GmbH teaches a carbon nanotube based alternative to aluminum or copper-mesh skins for aircraft to protect from lightning strikes. Claim 1 reads:

1. Aircraft or spacecraft, comprising

a component having a resin matrix in which carbon nanotubes are embedded for providing a high conductivity of the component,

wherein a current source is provided, the current source being adapted to produce an electric current in the component for heating-up the same in order to defrost the component or an area adjacent to the component.