PLEXIGLAS^® Aircraft Materials – Technical Information

UV Protection

Increasing global levels of UV radiation add a new dimension to UV protection. Pilots are among the most strongly exposed groups because UV radiation increases in intensity by approx. 4% for every 1,000 feet of altitude. In commercial aviation, effective UV protection has for many years been guaranteed by the use of certified glazing and/or multilayer glazing.

PLEXIGLAS^® GS 245 and GS 249 was specially developed for the aviation industry. This optimized grade offers high optical quality and UV protection that exceeds the requirements of aviation standards. The residual UV transmission is usually below 1 %. This property is measured on each production batch and confirmed by a certificate. The UV transmission of PLEXIGLAS^® GS 245 and GS 249 is about 14 times lower than the clear standard grade PLEXIGLAS^® GS 233.

Within general aviation, the situation is different. The regulations for this application are generally less strict and quite often, thinner glazings are used that do not always ensure sufficient UV protection. For these applications in particular, PLEXIGLAS^® GS 241 and GS 245 offers excellent optical quality and UV protection.

PLEXIGLAS^® GS aviation grade is the ideal solution for aircraft glazing that protects people and aircraft interiors from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Lightweight Construction

Weight also plays a substantial role when it comes to aircraft glazing. For decades, PLEXIGLAS^® GS has been the material of choice for such glazing, due to its excellent optical and mechanical properties combined with low specific weight.
Typical applications are cabin windows, cockpit, glider and helicopter glazings, and canopies and windshields for fighter planes.