Validity of the lightning elimination claim

Since 1971 when commercial devices that employ the point-discharge phenomenon were introduced, their manufacturers repeatedly changed their explanation regarding how such devices would eliminate lightning. This was done in response to on-going criticism from the scientific community. The name of those devices was also changed from lightning eliminators/dissipation arrays (DAS) to charge transfer systems (CTS). This paper summarizes and rebuts both past and present theories that have been proposed by the manufacturers. It also discusses manufacturers´ claim of success and explains why eliminating lightning is still considered to be not feasible. Finally, comments are given regarding the attempts of the manufacturers to get a standard for their devices.