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PPG, Gentex: general aviation first for electrochromic windows

PPG Industries“ aerospace transparencies business and Gentex Corporation will supply electrochromic window shade systems to Hawker Beechcraft Corporation for the passenger-cabin windows of the 2010 B…

PPG Industries“ aerospace transparencies business and Gentex Corporation will supply electrochromic window shade systems to Hawker Beechcraft Corporation for the passenger-cabin windows of the 2010 Beechcraft King Air 350i airplane, according to PPG, Gentex and HBC officials. The airplane will be the first in general and business aviation with electrically dimmable window shades as standard equipment and only the second aircraft program to use the technology developed by PPG and Gentex. Electrochromic shades will replace the polarizing shades on the King Air 350i“s cabin windows to enhance passenger comfort, interior aesthetics and the aircraft“s operating efficiency, according to Tom Clark, general manager, PPG Aerospace – Transparencies. Passengers will be able to control visible light transmittance of a dimmable panel between the inboard dust cover and the outboard structural cabin window system. The shades will be adjustable from a bright, clear state to a nearly opaque, dark state, or comfortable intermediate settings in between, Mr. Clark said. “Having our electrically dimmable shades on the King Air 350i is a significant technological and aesthetic advancement for general aviation and an important milestone for PPG,” Mr. Clark added. “The King Air has flown with PPG windshields since the first one took flight. We“re proud to be able to expand our capabilities for Hawker Beechcraft and have our electrochromic shades be part of the King Air 350i“s new cabin management system”. The PPG-Gentex system includes the electrically dimmable panel and passenger interface control switch. The shades use Gentex“s proprietary electrochromic technology and PPG“s aviation transparency expertise. Mr. Clark said PPG and Gentex will produce the electrochromic window shade systems in Zeeland, Michigan, with deliveries to begin in 2009. Each King Air 350i will have 15 electrochromic dimmable window shades. The PPG-Gentex electrochromic window shade system will have its commercial launch on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when the aircraft debuts. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world“s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. Based in Zeeland, Michigan, Gentex Corporation develops, manufactures and markets interior and exterior automatic-dimming automotive rearview mirrors that use proprietary electrochromic technology to dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailing vehicle headlamps.

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