Originally Posted by
SASless
Here is the Standard for Western Attack Helicopters AH-64 Apache.
That was basically why I was asking that question. The windows of the Apache are much smaller and tailored around the required visibility, and the seats are protecting much of the crew's bodies. At an angle of 45° from below there won't be much left to hit unprotectedly.
In case of the AW249 if you cover all that open space with seat armour still the question remains why putting heavy and vulnerable (and reflecting) windows in the first place and then blocking view with seat side walls? On the other hand there is a massive frame in the upper corners, limiting visibility when in NoE flight at speed. Window layout of the AW249 appears to me quite counter- intuitive for an attack helicopter.