GV Heated Cabin Window - Design, Testing, and Certification

Due to the increased flight envelope of GV aircraft and the industry-wide problems with crazing of structural acrylic transparencies, a re-design of the Gulfstream cabin windows was undertaken for the GV. The primary goals of this effort were to develop a cabin window that remained condensation free in all operating conditions, had improved service life, retained the size and shape of the classic Gulfstream cabin windows, and met all current FAA and JAA certification requirements. Cost and weight, as well as structural interchangeability with earlier Gulfstream aircraft, were also important issues. These goals were met during a significant design and testing effort undertaken both at Gulfstream and with the vendor, PPG Industries Inc. Aircraft Products. The resulting design, currently installed in all GV aircraft, retains the large field of view that is synonymous with all Gulfstream models while incorporating a number of newer technologies and improvements. This paper provides a summary of the design requirements, improvements, and certification testing involved.