Originally Posted by
Hughes500
Crab
If you made the canopy out of polycarbonate you wouldn't have a problem but the helicopter world makes its " glass" out of acrylic ( an illegal material for use in machines that require operator protection ) which shatters into knife like shards. If you were on the streets of Belfast we had Makrelon shields similar to polycarbonate, you could fire a baton round at it and it wouldnt break ! So why an earth does the aviation world put up with the wrong product ??????
Robinson is exactly doing that: Polycarbonate impact-resistant windshields
Optional impact-resistant windshields for R22, R44, and R66 helicopters provide protection from bird strikes. The new windshields are constructed of tough, energy-absorbing polycarbonate (standard windshields are made of acrylic) and installed with distinctive retention hardware. A special hard coating provides protection from scratching and weather degradation.
Tests demonstrate the R22’s windshield provides protection at impact speeds up to 90 knots, while the R44 and R66 windshields provide protection at impact speeds up to 100 knots. Impact-resistant windshields increase the R22’s empty weight by 1 lb and by 1.2. lb for the R44 and R66. No special maintenance or inspections are required, although a cabin cover is recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure.