Definition
An aircraft ignition system in which electrical energy is stored in a capacitor and then released as a high-voltage pulse through a transformer to fire the spark plugs. The capacitor charges from a low-voltage source, and at the firing moment a triggering circuit dumps that stored energy almost instantly, producing a short, very hot spark at each cylinder.
Plain English
A type of ignition that builds up a charge in an electrical storage component, then releases it all at once to make a strong spark in the cylinders. Because the spark is short and powerful, it lights the fuel reliably even when the engine is hard to start.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft engine ignition descriptions, starting-system discussions, and maintenance troubleshooting for engines that need a strong, reliable spark.
Derivation
A capacitor is an electrical part that stores energy and then releases it. 'Discharge' means letting that stored energy out. So the name describes exactly what the system does: it charges up a capacitor and discharges it to make the spark.
Why Pilots Care
It produces a hotter, more reliable spark at low RPM and high altitude, improving starting and reducing the chance of misfires.
Analogy
It is like filling a small bucket with water and then dumping it all at once, instead of letting the water drip out slowly. The system stores electrical energy first, then releases it in a quick burst to make a stronger spark.
Intuition Check
Do not read “discharge” as an unwanted leak here. In this term, discharge means a planned, sudden release of stored electrical energy to make a spark.
Example Sentence 1
The turbine engine uses a capacitor-discharge ignition system to deliver a hot spark for reliable starting.
Example Sentence 2
The mechanic replaced the aging magneto with a capacitor-discharge ignition system to improve starting reliability at high elevations.