Boeing says trade studies for the yet-to-ordered 747-8 Intercontinental include the possible use of electro-chromic window technology now in development for the 787 in place of standard plastic shades.
The company adds the windows will be 16% larger than those of the current -400, thanks to a more efficient structural design derived from the 777.
“We’re able to go to a stringer-less window belt which we’re doing for weight purposes,” says 747 vice president and general manager Jeff Peace. The move to a dimmable window is “a trade study we’re still evaluating,” he adds. The new window shading system is being developed for the 787 by Huntsville, Alabama-based PPG Aerospace in association with Gentex Corporation of Zeeland, Michigan, a maker of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and commercial fire protection products.
The variably dimmable cabin window which will allow the passenger to select up to five different levels from dark to clear. The windows will also have a manual override for use by the flight crew.
The dimmable electro chromatic window panels will be inserted between the exterior cabin window and an interior plastic dust cover. A low electrical charge will darken a conductive medium between the layers, with transmissibility – or lightness – increasing with reduced voltage.
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