HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) aerospace transparencies group has been selected by Gulfstream to supply windshields, side cockpit windows and passenger-cabin window assemblies for the G500™ and G600™ business jets that will provide superior performance for operators and maximum efficiencies for Gulfstream. The passenger-cabin windows will use OPTICOR™ advanced transparency material to maintain optical clarity and provide a quieter cabin. The equipment has been proven through its use on the Gulfstream G650™ program.
According to Mark Hood, PPG Aerospace global platform manager for general aviation transparencies, the windshields and windows will offer clean aerodynamics, reliability, acoustic and safety benefits, and fuel economies.
“PPG’s transparencies have a demonstrated history of performance,” Hood said. “Aircrews will appreciate the enhanced visibility through the wide windshields and broad side cockpit windows. Passengers will enjoy better viewing through the passenger-cabin windows that are aviation’s largest in a bright, quieter cabin.”
The passenger-cabin windows will have an outboard ply of Opticor advanced transparency material that is extremely resistant to crazing. It will be laminated to stretched acrylic for optimum stiffness and assembled with an inboard coated glass panel that can be heated for antifogging.
Hood said PPG acoustic tests of the cabin windows showed they reduced sound transmission by about 20 percent more than the cabin windows for the GV jet, while being 16 percent larger. Additionally, the new cabin-window assemblies will have about one-fourth as many parts, reducing assembly time by more than half.
The passenger-cabin windows and side cockpit windows are designed to meet higher cabin pressure with less deflection, providing aerodynamic benefits and weight savings that will contribute to a quieter, smoother flight and better fuel efficiency.
The heated glass windshields will have SURFACE SEAL® water-repellent coating by PPG as the primary rain-removal system, which will enable Gulfstream to certify the aircraft without windshield wipers and reduce related drag and weight. Gulfstream has specified Surface Seal coating for windshields since fielding the Gulfstream V jet.
PPG will produce the cockpit windows and passenger-cabin window assemblies at its Huntsville aircraft products plant for delivery to Gulfstream’s Savannah, Georgia, facility. Opticor advanced transparency material is manufactured at PPG’s Sylmar, California, aerospace transparencies plant.
PPG earned a 2013 Gulfstream Supplier of the Year award for its transparencies produced in Huntsville and Sylmar and by its Ampaspace subsidiary in Casaletto Vaprio, Italy.
PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants, and packaging and application systems. For more information, visit www.ppgaerospace.com.
PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty materials company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2013 were $15.1 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
G500, G600 and G650 are trademarks of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Bringing innovation to the surface and Opticor are trademarks and the PPG Logo and Surface Seal are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
