Last week a Jet Blue A320 outer windshield cracked.
Windshields fail, especially with all the crap that flies into them. Jet aircraft have long dealt with this issue, and in various ways -- including flexible polycarbonate (F-22, has some issues with separation, especially in heat).
But I'm kinda surprised with the sheer cost of commercial airlines now, that transparent, optical aluminum ceramic (polished aluminum from powder) hasn't made its way to the front windshield, especially given the limited sizes used in airlines. Often called 'transparent aluminum' -- not the Star Trek, currently unstable 'missing particle,' variety (huge difference) -- the ceramic is economically viable at today's airliner costs, and would add only high 5 or low 6 figures total.
Beyond since expired "ALON" '70s patent and still only semi-trade secret design, there are more and more options becoming available too.
- http://www.businessinsider.com/jetblue-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-windshield-breaks-2018-5
Windshields fail, especially with all the crap that flies into them. Jet aircraft have long dealt with this issue, and in various ways -- including flexible polycarbonate (F-22, has some issues with separation, especially in heat).
But I'm kinda surprised with the sheer cost of commercial airlines now, that transparent, optical aluminum ceramic (polished aluminum from powder) hasn't made its way to the front windshield, especially given the limited sizes used in airlines. Often called 'transparent aluminum' -- not the Star Trek, currently unstable 'missing particle,' variety (huge difference) -- the ceramic is economically viable at today's airliner costs, and would add only high 5 or low 6 figures total.
Beyond since expired "ALON" '70s patent and still only semi-trade secret design, there are more and more options becoming available too.
Last edited:
