Lightning

Cessna Grand Caravan EX

FlightAware reports that the Rawanda military is getting a couple of Cessna Grand Caravans. Not quite sure who is paying for them but I wouldn't be surprised if it was the CIA since they are going to be equipped "with secure High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency radio systems, Night Vision Imaging System, . . .".

Then we have a photo of another Cessna Grand Caravan:

 Cessna C-98A Grand Caravan

The Grand Caravan looks unbalanced - too much fuselage in back of the main wing. The engine must be very heavy in order to balance the weight of the cargo. The fuselage itself doesn't count for much, it's built like a beer can.

Is this the same aircraft? No, this one is from Teresina, Brazil. Teresina? Where the heck is that? I've never heard of it. Northeast Brazil:

Teresina Brazil

I read a book about the area but I don't remember Teresina being mentioned, but it maybe it didn't exist in the book's timeframe. Well, let's see what ye olde Wikipedia has to say:

Teresina is the hottest city in the country and the third city with the major incidence of lightning in the world.

Global map of lightning frequency--strikes/km2/yr.

I seem to remember that there are a couple of lakes in Venezuela that are subject to a great deal of lightning. Wikipedia confirms.

All this talk about lightning reminds me of an old tune:


Lou Christie - Lightnin Strikes Again - Live - The Midnight Special Godslove66

Update October 2020 replaced missing Lou Christie video.

Update November 2021 replaced missing Lou Christie video.

Update June 2023 replaced missing Lou Christie video.