Keep Aircraft Cabins Cool with CoolView Windows
CoolView aircraft windows are manufactured with an advanced thin metallic composite barrier system specifically designed for aircraft transparencies. Engineered for added comfort with cooler cabin temperatures, appearance and the protection of your aircraft interior. The CoolView windows reduce harmful infrared rays by 82% and UV rays by 99%, in turn reducing the heat inside of your aircraft.
Learn more about CoolView windows
The Use of Sunscreens and Window Tint on Aircraft Windows
When the forecast calls for high summer temperatures, you may be tempted to keep the inside of your cabin as cool as possible. But using materials not designed for your aircraft may cause a bigger headache in the future. As the Original Equipment Manufacturer of aircraft windows, Lee Aerospace would like to offer some advice in dealing with the summer season ahead and its effect on aircraft windows.
Most of the aircraft windows manufactured for pressurized aircraft are constructed from a material known as stretched acrylic. This is part of the manufacturing process whereby the acrylic material is heated to a pliable melting temperature over 230° and pulled in all directions (stretched) to about three times its original size. The acrylic is then cooled, machined, and polished to correct optical standards. This process greatly increases strength and rigidity making it ideal material for aircraft windows. But it does have some cautions to be aware of namely it will try to shrink back to its original shape when it gets too hot.
In order to avoid mistakes like this we would like to point out some things to avoid using on your aircraft windows.
Automotive window tint – While it may seem like a great idea at first, automotive window tint was not designed for aircraft windows. The problem with using this kind of product is it could cause your windows to absorb excessive heat, overheating the stretched acrylic to the point of shrinking back to its original size. If the window is clamped in it could fall out of the aircraft. Some windows are fastened in and when the material starts to shrink all it can do is tear. This would be tough to explain to your boss when he comes back to the plane to go home and sees a hole in the cockpit window big enough to stick your head through.
Another problem with automotive window tint is that it is designed to be applied over glass; the adhesive that is used on the tint could have an adverse effect on the acrylic leading to premature failure.
“Cling on” Sunscreens – Many pilots use these to block the sun and they can be moved as needed and generally work great. Just remember they are designed for temporary use only. We strongly recommend that they be removed when the aircraft is parked to prevent overheating the acrylic.
Aircraft Window Repair Services
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We will be happy to answer any window related questions you may have.
