Windshield with improved bird-strike, erosion, de-fogging, de-icing and IR performance

The objective of the Wimper project is the prototype development (up to production) of a new pilot windshield (along with other windows) with the focus on using state-of-the-art technologies and coatings. This includes the complex interface between the airframe and the windshields, and the capabilities versus improved bird-strike, anti-icing, anti-fogging and IR performance will be especially taken into consideration.

The consortium consists of three partners, all centred in the aeronautic industry, with the expertise to develop and manufacture structural lightweight designs.

Everyone is an expert in its main field:

• KRD Sicherheitstechnik GmbH (KRD) is a leading manufacturer of windshields and windows, currently for ground transports mainly (e.g. forestry harvesters, vessels, sport cars) but has contributed with prototypes for helicopter applications also. Within their product portfolio there is coated laminated car windshields with heating systems, which are also usable for aeronautic applications for de-icing or de-fogging. The coating development for these applications as well as for scratch resistance is done at KRD premises.
• The Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), Institute of Structures and Design has the excellence in the design of structural parts as well as the ability to perform simulations and tests to optimize the engineered parts concerning the structural behaviour, particularly under crash and impact loading. The institute will assist in the definition of testing methods and will perform testing sequences and bird-strike tests to evaluate the solutions. The DLR has developed a dummy bird, which will be evaluated during this project compared to real bird.
• The University of Stuttgart, Institut für Flugzeugbau (USTUTT) is the third partner and specializes in the production and development of structural fibre reinforced parts and their testing against specifications and life cycle analysis. The USTUTT has capacities and expertise in finding accurate coating solutions.