Dissipating an energy current over the whole surface of the aircraft is the purpose of the:

The purpose of dissipating an energy current over the whole surface of the aircraft is achieved by the conductive layer. This layer is specifically designed to manage and distribute thermal and electrical currents, ensuring that energy is evenly spread across the surface. This is crucial in low observable aircraft, as it helps in reducing thermal signatures and minimizes the risk of hotspots that could be detrimental to the structural integrity or overall functionality of the aircraft.

In this context, the conductive layer serves to enhance the performance and safety of the aircraft by providing a pathway for energy flow, which also contributes to the effectiveness of other systems within the aircraft, including stealth operations. By using materials that efficiently conduct energy, the layered construction of low observable aircraft can maintain desired thermal profiles and mitigate electromagnetic interference.

While the insulation layer is focused on preventing energy loss and maintaining temperatures, and the structural layer is concerned with the integrity and strength of the aircraft, these functions do not specifically address the requirement of dissipating energy currents across surfaces. The protective coating also serves as a barrier against environmental threats, but it does not play the same role in energy management as the conductive layer does.