Airbus black paint around cockpit windows

[Check Airman]

Hi,

Does anyone know why Airbus has started using black paint around the cockpit windows of many of the A320/A330 neo airplanes, as well as the A350?

[Fursty Ferret]

Because it looks good.

[Ex Cargo Clown]

Girls night out, and no make-up remover?

[Mechta]

Duct tape to stop the wrong size screws falling out?

[Blue_Circle]

Duct tape to stop the wrong size screws falling out?
And to think I always thought my uncle was pulling my leg when he mentioned things like this. :)

[pattern_is_full]

According to: https://blog.virginatlantic.com/airbus-a350-wear-zorro-mask/

For the A350, It has to do with the windows being curved glass rather than flat (for less drag) and matching thermal expansion between the dark-tinted glass and frame. And simplify maintenance (no need to paint them with different livery colors every time the glass needs re-installing).

I presume that means the curved glass might be more prone to crack or pop out of the frame without a black frame to absorb heat (solar heating) and expand/contract in sync with the glass.

On the A330neo, simply to maintain consistent look throughout the (new) lines.

However, some AB engineers also agree with Fursty Ferret - "It just looks better!"

[cessnapete]

Re the A350. Have Airbus got any problems with it? The VS A346 now extended in service until Summer 2020 rather than the planned Dec 2019 retirement.
Latest two Virgin delivered to Tarbes,flew some weeks ago, but not in service. Stored??

[iceman50]

Might it be more related to B787 issues at Virgin?

[red_october]

Reduce glare?

[Check Airman]

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

[AviatorDave]

Because it looks good.


I think it sucks, but there is no point in arguing about taste.

[stilton]

The L1011 prototype had these black framed cockpit windows


I always thought it looked good, as does the A350

[Fursty Ferret]

I think it sucks, but there is no point in arguing about taste.

Everyone looks good in sunglasses.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1300x650/arnold_schwarzenegger_in_terminator_3_rise_of_the_machines_p ng_c4c6cbe7ba0f96bb96accb144a0b88f9c6405cb5.jpg