What is the primary function of static wicks on the Challenger 350 aircraft?

Static wicks on the Challenger 350 aircraft serve the primary purpose of dissipating electrical charge. During flight, an aircraft can accumulate static electricity due to various factors, including movement through the atmosphere and changes in humidity. These static wicks are strategically placed on the trailing edges of the aircraft's wings and control surfaces to facilitate the safe discharge of this accumulated electrical charge into the atmosphere.

Dissipating static electricity is essential to prevent electrical buildup, which could potentially interfere with avionics or create a spark that could ignite fuel vapors. The presence of static wicks ensures that the aircraft remains safe and that the systems aboard continue to operate without disruption.

Options that suggest weight distribution, reducing aerodynamic drag, or enhancing fuel efficiency do not accurately reflect the core function of static wicks. While these factors are important in aircraft design and performance, they are not the purpose of static wicks. Their main function is specifically related to the management of electrical charges during flight, which is critical for maintaining safe operational conditions.