Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason for aircraft being equipped with conducting tyres ?
[amp_mcq option1=”They can transfer the charge accumulated on their surfaces during lightning” option2=”They can transfer the charge accumulated on their surfaces being rubbed by air particles” option3=”They can transfer accumulated on their surfaces due to inflight operation of several gadgets” option4=”For preventing sparks on the ground while they land” correct=”option4″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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.