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NEW ROBINSON WINDOWS. DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE STANDARD WINDOW IS NOT RESISTANT TO ANY BIRD IMPACT?

Posted on: 11/17/2020
Robinson's impact-resistant windshields improve bird strike protection.
 
Robinson introduced optional impact-resistant windshields for the R22, R44 and R66 helicopters to provide bird strike protection. In the absence of requirements for smaller helicopter categories, Robinson based the impact-resistant design on FAA requirements for large transport category helicopters.
 
The new windshields are constructed of high-strength, energy-absorbing polycarbonate (standard windows are acrylic) and feature unique fasteners. A special hard coating provides protection against scratching and weather-related degradation. Polycarbonate windows will have more surface or optical imperfections than standard acrylic windows.
 
Testing was conducted at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, where a 2.2-pound (1 kg) bird, the FAA standard test mass, was used to simulate bird strikes. Tests show that the R22 windshield provides protection in impacts up to 90 knots, while the R44 and R66 windshields provide protection in impacts up to 100 knots.
 
The 2020 price for the new windshields is $6,600 for the R22 and $6,800 for the R44 and R66. The impact-resistant windshields add 1lb (0.45kg) to the R22’s empty weight and 1.2lb (0.54kg) to the R44 and R66. No special maintenance or inspections are required, although a canopy cover is recommended for extended outdoor exposure.
 
Robinson believes the new windshields will be particularly beneficial for pilots flying at low altitudes or in other environments where the risk of bird strikes is greater.
 
Does this mean that the standard acrylic windshield is not bird strike-proof?
 
Acrylic materials are weakened by certain organic compounds, such as aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene), esters (usually in the form of solvents and some de-icing fluids), ketones (acetone), chlorinated hydrocarbons and some hydraulic fluids.
 
Standard acrylic glass in Robinson is very susceptible to weakening when cleaned with the wrong chemicals.
Materiały akrylowe są osłabiane przez niektóre związki organiczne, takie jak węglowodory aromatyczne (benzen), estry (zwykle w postaci rozpuszczalników i niektórych płynów do odladzania), ketony (aceton), węglowodory chlorowane i niektóre płyny hydrauliczne. 
Pilots often use automotive products that are harmful to acrylic materials.
 
Acrylic materials are weakened by certain organic compounds, such as aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene), esters (usually in the form of solvents and some de-icing fluids), ketones (acetone), chlorinated hydrocarbons and some hydraulic fluids.
Cracking caused by solvents and other organic compounds has a more serious effect on mechanical properties than stress cracking. Dissolution and chemical absorption in acrylic impairs mechanical properties and greatly weakens the helicopter window. We recommend washing the windows with warm water or aviation chemicals designed for this purpose, such as Plex Wax by Aero Cosmetics or Clear View by Aviation Laboratories.

Posted in: Helimot

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