PPG improves airliner windscreens

PPG Aerospace is introducing new materials and has developed technology to improve windscreens for Airbus A320 airliners.

For the Airbus A320, the company has developed a windscreen featuring two sealants used to improve moisture resistance: PR-2060 polyurethane, which has a low moisture vapour transmission rate, has been added as an internal sealant behind the Z-retainer (a part that holds plies together); and PR-1425CF chromate-free sealant has replaced PR-1425 as the outboard moisture seal for the windscreens. It has a faster cure rate and is less environmentally harmful.

To defend against delamination, S-123 urethane bonds the outboard and middle glass plies, in lieu of a urethane-vinyl-urethane sandwich. According to the company, the material maintains elasticity better even when cold. It also prevents cold chipping and resists moisture damage.

One challenge is optical quality: “It should be better than for a car windscreen because you should avoid any form of optical distortion during critical flight phases, such as landing,” said a spokesperson for the company.