Will Replace Plastic Shades, Offer Five Settings

One item of future-tech that Boeing has promised from the earliest days of the upcoming Dreamliner's development appears to be one step closer to reality, as Boeing announced last week the company has selected PPG Aerospace, a business unit of PPG Industries, to provide electrochromic windows for the passenger cabin of the 787.

The 787 will be the first commercial jetliner to feature this new technology, which will allow passengers to electronically shade their windows -- replacing the plastic screens found on today’s airplanes. Similar methods have been available for home and automotive use for the last few years, although cost has limited the technology to higher-end applications.

"The 787 Dreamliner will provide passengers with a noticeably better flying experience and our windows are a big part of that improvement," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.

"The new electronic shades are like sunglasses for the airplane," Bair added. "Passengers will be able to see out the big Dreamliner windows even when they choose to shade them."

"PPG has explored variable-transmittance window technology for aircraft over several years," said PPG Aerospace VP David Morris. "The culmination of this effort is our involvement in the 787 Dreamliner. Together we are meeting the needs of the public for more enjoyable travel and helping airlines enhance their operating efficiency." 

The electrochromic transparencies will allow passengers to adjust the amount of light transmitted to five different levels from dark to clear, according to PPG, with a manual override for use by the flight crew. The dimmable window panels will be inserted between the exterior cabin window and interior plastic dust cover, and will be controlled by a button on the armrest.

Morris noted that the new window systems will not only provide light control, but also enhance the interior appearance and comfort of the aircraft.

"Passengers will be able to control the amount of solar energy that enters the cabin to reduce solar light and heat transmittance for more comfort, and there will be less stress on the heating and air conditioning system," Morris said. "Because there will be no window shades, interior space will be more attractive."

Boeing has stated the Dreamliner will feature other innovative features intended to significantly improve the passenger experience, including bigger windows, a lower cabin altitude and systems to improve air quality onboard the aircraft, as well as provide higher humidity. Detailed design of the 787 is under way with production scheduled to start in 2006. First flight is planned for 2007 with deliveries beginning in 2008.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.ppgaerospace.com