Looking like ‘Zorro’ of childhood fame, the most distinctive aspects of the new Airbus aircraft is the black ‘mask’ around the windshield. The A350 and new models like the A330neo, A321LR and subsequent Airbus aircraft will have this feature.
“The A350 XWB is the first ever Airbus aircraft with curved cockpit glasses. These cockpit windows offer more than just the most futuristic, aesthetic and instinctive look. The new windshield enhances the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft,” said Donna Lloyd, Head of Communication Business Partners at Airbus. “The perfectly curved shape of the nose helps the air flow hug the surface, in the least turbulent manner, thereby reducing drag. “
The black masking around the windshield
The black masking on this new windshield serves a purpose according to Airbus.
“The emblematic “Ray-Ban” like black windshield eases the window’s maintenance and contributes to harmonising the thermal condition of this temperature-sensitive window area. The slightly concave nose area (seen from the side) offers the pilots an optimal view of the immediate surroundings easing ground operations and making them safer.” Said Donna Lloyd.
The black colour adjusts better to the temperature changes surrounding the aircraft. Aircraft routinely go through rapid temperature changes, from standing at hot airports, to the cold high atmosphere. All parts must adjust to these constant changes. Airbus says the black “mask” contributes to ease of maintenance and harmonization of the thermal condition of the windows:
The curved windshield and black “sunglasses” masking has continued from the A350 and found on all subsequent Airbus aircraft. The A330neo received the new design in 2017, clearly differentiating it from the older A330s. The first narrowbody aircraft to sport the new look was A321LR in 2018, cementing the new design as integral to the entire line-up.
The Airbus A321XLR will also feature the black masking. The decision means that nearly all Airbus aircraft manufactured in the next decade with feature this striking design.
Unique Features
Modern aircraft all look fairly similar, with most varying the size of their fuselages for different models. However Airbus and Boeing manufacturers also try to add something unique to their aircraft like the wings, wingtips, engine cowlings to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
The gold tint on the 787 window is a conductive coating for de-icing.
Dreamliner jet flight-deck crews will view the world through commercial aviation’s largest windshields by PPG, kept clear of fog and ice with gold and indium-tin oxide heating systems.
Additionally some Boeing aircraft are instantly recognizable by the serrated engine covers as found on the 787 and 737 MAXs. Combined with the specific wing designs, spotting Boeing and Airbus aircraft has become a little bit easier.
One thing that many new modern aircraft have in common is that they use curved windshields to reduce drag. Adding a black surround does add to the black sunglasses look.
