Airbus black paint around cockpit windows
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: USA
Airbus black paint around cockpit windows
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?
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?
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,269
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From: Denver
According to: https://blog.virginatlantic.com/airb...ar-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!"
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!"
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,040
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From: Home
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??
Latest two Virgin delivered to Tarbes,flew some weeks ago, but not in service. Stored??
Last edited by cessnapete; 18th November 2019 at 22:13.
