I've had a few Cb strikes, mostly on large aircraft, and
essentially inconsequential, but few strikes on smaller machines
(SHJ/Harvard/T6 style).
The discussion about distance seems fairly consistent regarding
a ten mile distance, with one exception. The transfer of energy seems
maximum when the state change takes place - at about the (summer) freezing
level. Inside the chimney, the greatest disparity occurs about 17k to 19k -
just where the smaller transports fly. I made it a rule to give Old Stormy
at least 25 miles avoidance at that level because he can reach out a goodly
distance - and has.
Of course we had the advantage of radar to judge distances (and
cloud climb rates), but I know the glider-wing group are flying at similar
levels and composite aircraft are not friendly to large electrical
discharges.
Cheers, Ferg
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