a lightning detection and display system for aircraft is disclosed . a lightning detection system detects the bearing and distance of lightning strikes to the aircraft and the aircraft navigation system determines the aircraft position relative to earth . a computer then calculates the position of each strike relative to earth and displays the aircraft &# 39 ; s position and lightning strike locations in their correct relative positions . while the aircraft moves , the computer periodically updates the display data to maintain an accurate depiction . the system stores a history of lightning strikes and displays such history in a time - lapse mode to represent the storm &# 39 ; s trend in direction and magnitude .