A lightning protection system, method and aircraft are provided for
reducing the flammability of jet fuel spilled during an in-flight
refueling operation between a supplying aircraft and a receiving
aircraft. An inert gas is injected adjacent to a refueling interface in
order to displace oxygen in the fuel-air mixture and thereby reduce the
ability of the fuel vapor to ignite upon occurrence of an ignition source
such as lightning. The refueling system may comprise a boom or a hose and
drogue type device.