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PPG produces F-16 transparent canopies

June 15, 2009 (by PPG Aerospace) - PPG Industries aerospace transparencies has begun producing replacement canopy transparencies for F-16s with a new-generation coating system and has resumed full production rates.

USAF F-16 canopy after a bird strike, details are unknown, but clearly the pilot landed safely. Need to identify the aircraft serial number and the date this occurred. [USAF photo]

Polycarbonate laminate canopy transparencies with the new coating system passed stringent requirements for bird impact, optical performance and environmental durability, according to Brent Wright, PPG Aerospace platform business manager for military transparencies.

“PPG expects the new S-406 inner and S-220 outer coatings will offer F-16 jet operators canopy transparencies with greater durability and affordability,” Wright said.

The new system is available on PPG canopy transparencies in clear and reflective indium tin oxide (ITO) configurations, he said. PPG Aerospace produces the forward and aft canopy transparencies for F-16 A/B/C/D configurations at its Sylmar, Calif., USA, facility.

The original YF-16 prototype performed its first flight in 1974 equipped with transparencies by Sierracin/Sylmar Corp., and the company has produced them since. PPG acquired Sierracin/Sylmar in 2006.


Courtesy of PPG Aerospace Paris Air Show press kit

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