Transparencies for Supersonic and Hypersonic Flight

SUMMARY The main overall problems associated with transparencies for manned supersonic and hypersonic aircraft are considered. Civil and military concepts are compared in relation to aircraft performance requirements and the reasons for the continuing need for optical transparencies are enumerated. Aircraft performance requirements and typical flight plans show the necessity for designing the transparencies to withstand a considerable range of environmental conditions in addition to the aerodynamic dictates in relation to size, position and shape. These conditions are listed and design feature considerations are discussed in some detail with particular accent on the thermal problems. Reference is made to certain organic and inorganic materials for the basic glazings and the problems associated with the ‘marrying’ of these materials with retaining frame members are discussed. Detail proposals are made for typical windscreen and canopy assemblies. Brief reference is made to the poor reliability shown by many transparencies in present‐day modern aircraft which indicates the need for revision of certain existing test requirements. The proposed new requirements will result in the development of new testing techniques although test factors might well be reduced. The paper concludes with a statement on the importance which is being given to the subject matter by the various bodies in the U.K. and the emphasis which should be placed on the need for the continuation of research and development work in this field.