Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason for aircraft

Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason for aircraft being equipped with conducting tyres ?

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They can transfer the charge accumulated on their surfaces during lightning

They can transfer the charge accumulated on their surfaces being rubbed by air particles

They can transfer accumulated on their surfaces due to inflight operation of several gadgets

For preventing sparks on the ground while they land

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2024

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The most appropriate reason for aircraft being equipped with conducting tyres is for preventing sparks on the ground while they land.

Aircraft build up a considerable amount of static electric charge during flight due to friction with air, dust, and precipitation. This charge needs to be safely dissipated upon landing. Conducting tyres provide a low-resistance path for this accumulated static charge to flow from the aircraft’s structure to the ground, thus neutralizing the charge gradually and preventing a sudden electrostatic discharge or spark that could ignite flammable fuel vapours near the ground.

Option B correctly identifies the source of the charge accumulation (rubbing by air particles), and conducting tyres *do* transfer this charge. However, the *reason* for this capability is the safety outcome described in option D – preventing potentially catastrophic sparks during landing. Option D is the most direct and crucial reason for the design feature.

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