Ever wonder how cockpit windshields protect against bird strikes? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that roughly 47 airplanes are struck by birds on any given day. Most bird strikes involve the cockpit windshield. A bird or flock of birds may fly directly into the front of an airplane. Fortunately, the cockpit windshields on most commercial airplanes are designed to withstand bird strikes.
Made of Chemically Strengthened
They may look like normal glass windshields, but cockpit windshields are actually made of a special type of chemically strengthened glass or acrylic. During production, the glass or acrylic is submerged in a bath of hot salt and potassium nitrate. As the potassium ions replace the material’s sodium ions, the glass or acrylic becomes stronger. With their chemically strengthened properties, cockpit windshields can typically withstand bird strikes.
Multiple Layers
In addition to being made of chemically strengthened glass, cockpit windshields consist of multiple layers. The Airbus A320 features a half-dozen layers for its cockpit windshield. The outermost layer is typically the thickest and, thus, the strongest. It serves as a barrier against all foreign objects, including bird strikes. Even if a bird strike damages the outermost layer, however, the inner layers should remain intact.
Screen Attachments
Another way that cockpit windshields protect against bird strikes is screen attachment. A screen attachment is a mesh-like accessory that’s placed over an airplane’s cockpit windshield. It’s used to protect against birds and other objects that could otherwise pose a risk of damage. Screen attachments aren’t found on all airplanes. Nonetheless, some airplanes — particularly those in regions prone to bird strikes — may use a screen attachment as an extra layer of protection.
Curved
The curved shape of cockpit windshields further protects them from bird strikes. It works by scattering the force of birdstrikes. Most airplanes don’t have a flat cockpit windshield. Rather, they feature a curved cockpit windshield to promote better aerodynamics. But this curved shape also protects against bird strike damage by disrupting the force of impact.
Inspections and Replacements
Cockpit windshields are regularly inspected for signs of damage. While some forms of damage can be repaired, other forms of damage may require a replacement. The damaged cockpit windshield will be replaced with a new, undamaged cockpit windshield. Some commercial airplanes go through four or more cockpit windshields during their time in service.
