A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive
material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a
fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline
through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These
through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such
that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or
communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer
surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener
heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with
a dielectric or nonconductive material.