GKN Aerospace has delivered the first windshields as part of a contract with Boeing to design and develop, bird-strike test and qualify the new anti-spall windshields for the Boeing P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. The new windshields incorporate GKN’s anti-spall (spraying of glass fragments) technology, which provides pilot protection in the event of bird strike and at the same time incorporates a 5-percent weight reduction.

The number one and number two windshields for the P-8A also introduce an all-polyurethane interlayer, replacing the traditional PVB interlayer, to provide extended glass life in a product that is thinner and stronger.

In addition to the cockpit windows, GKN has also designed, developed and qualified a large, heated observer window for the P-8A cabin.

The P-8A is a derivative of the next-generation Boeing 737 with the fuselage of the 737-800 and wings of the 737-900. Initial operational capability is scheduled for 2013. a