Starman
Well-Known Member
I was looking for examples of different kinds of windshields that have the flat surface in front like this one does. Three reasons, one is that I want to make the canopy out of flat wrap pieces if possible and still have it be streamlined, the frames will provide the roll over structure, but the main one is to be able to withstand bird strikes at high speeds so the front piece needs to be thick.
Lets say we were diving down some canyon in the mountains in our slippery and heavy airplane when all of her sudden we run into bigbird at 400mph, or 500, or maybe more. What kind of windshield do you think it would take to withstand the bird strike?
I guess the fighter planes that use the method use thick bulletproof glass, I don't know how thick but I was thinking something like 3/4" thick lexan in the front flat part would be good but I would feel better with 1" Lexan. The piece I envision wouldn't really be that big, and it will be more like a fuller oval than the one in the picture. I've seen them but couldn't find a picture.
What materials and thickness would you recommend?
Last edited:
