Aircraft precipitation-static radio interference

Radio reception at normal frequencies on board high-speed, all-metal aircraft suffers severe interference under certain precipitation conditions. Flight research has shown that under these same conditions, an airplane will accumulate a relatively heavy electric charge. The resulting potential difference between this charged object and its immediate surroundings creates voltage gradients of sufficient magnitude on pointed and sharp-edged extremities of the craft to produce corona discharges. Local radio disturbances of varying character and severe intensity accompany these discharges.