Bombardier Inc.
Aircraft with a drag neutral vehicle window

Abstract:

An aircraft includes a fuselage defining a mold line, at least one frame disposed in the fuselage, at least one transparent pane suspended within the frame. The transparent pane is a deformable material that defines a first surface position h.sub.1 when not subjected to a differential pressure .DELTA.P thereacross and a second surface position h.sub.2 when subject to the differential pressure .DELTA.P thereacross. The first and second surface positions are defined with reference to the outside mold line. The first surface position h.sub.1 defines a reverse curvature. In response to the differential pressure .DELTA.P, the second surface position h.sub.2 includes bulging of the transparent pane by a predetermined distance .DELTA.h. The frame is constructed to be positioned within the aircraft such that the transparent pane presents a surface, when subjected to the pressure differential .DELTA.P, that is substantially consistent with the outside mold line of the vehicle.