PPG has designed and produced windows for the Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe (BLADE), a Clean Sky Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft Integrated Technology Demonstrator (SFWA ITD). The pod located at the tip of the wing and hosting flight test equipment is being equipped with windows that are fabricated of OPTICOR advanced transparency material, a unique lightweight PPG aerospace plastic that has high visible-light transmittance, weighs less than other plastics used in aviation and can be formed into complex shapes.

According to Ozan Peneklioglu, PPG aerospace transparencies segment manager for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, Opticor material is “well suited” for the application because optical properties are essential and the windows are curved to fit the exterior of the aircraft surface.

“Being selected to supply windows for this demonstrator aircraft will enable PPG to show the benefits of Opticor material in a unique application,” Peneklioglu said. “The optical quality of the windows needs to be very high to enable cameras behind them to photograph the flight testing. The windows need to fit smoothly into the wing tips, and they need to be as lightweight as possible. Opticor advanced transparency material is well suited because it is formable, weighs less than stretched acrylic and offers exceptional optical clarity.”

PPG, while not being a participant in Clean Sky, has been involved by Airbus as subcontractor to supply two sets of windows in four shapes.

Paris Air Show attendees can learn more about Opticor advanced transparency material by visiting Hall 2b Stand C105 and talking with PPG aerospace transparencies experts. PPG is displaying a passenger-cabin window prototype fabricated from Opticor material and color and textured clear samples. The International Paris Air Show is June 19-25 at Le Bourget.

Clean Sky is the largest European research program developing innovative, cutting-edge technology aimed at reducing carbon dioxide, gas emissions and noise levels produced by aircraft. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, Clean Sky contributes to strengthening European aero-industry collaboration, global leadership and competitiveness.