TUESDAY DEC 24, 2024
×
Search AeroXplorer
Why Do Aircraft Have Round Windows?

Why Do Aircraft Have Round Windows?

BY LUKAS WOERNER Published on March 26, 2024 0 COMMENTS

When looking at an airplane, it probably comes with no second thought that the windows are round. This is one of those non-negotiable airplane truths, along with knowing that there are wings and an engine. However, the truth of why they are round is surprisingly morbid and has a very intriguing history. Sometimes, things have to fail before they are improved upon.

 

Airplane Window" Images – Browse 4,941 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video |  Adobe Stock
Photo: Adobe Stock

 

Windows have not always been round, with the newest ovular shape coming into fashion since the 1950s. Previously, aircraft were made for both style and safety, with aesthetic decisions being taken into effect. The motto was that it would be done if it looked cool and could be put on a plane. This included introducing rectangular windows, akin to what you might see on a building.

 



ADVERTISEMENT • REMOVE ALL ADS

 

In 1949, de Havilland, a UK-based manufacturer, introduced the DH.106 Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner. The controversial aircraft included a series of rectangular windows lining the plane's main fuselage. Initially rewarded with its innovative design, the airliner was quickly met with tragedy after three separate airplanes crashed between 1953 and 1954. The de Havilland crashes introduced the first fatality on a commercial jet airliner. The Comet's crashing was a point of mystery. At first, reported damages to the hull were indicated as the cause of the crashes. Additionally, myths surrounding the shape of the windows contributed to media attention regarding the design.

 

Why Do Airplane Windows Have Tiny Holes? | Condé Nast Traveler
Photo: Getty Images

 

According to original reports of the incident, the sharp corners of the windows gave up due to "metal-fatigue failure." Metal-fatigue failure, a novice in a study at the time, resulted from the weakened structural integrity of metal due to repeated changing air pressures. As an airplane ascends into lower air-pressured altitudes, the main hull of the aircraft is filled with high-pressured air to mimic the feeling of lower altitudes for its passengers. If no pressurized cabin existed, passengers would be unable to breathe. The repeated pressure changes caused immense stress on the windows' corners, weakening their structural integrity.

 



ADVERTISEMENT • REMOVE ALL ADS

 

However, these thoughts of metal fatigue failure only existing at the squared windows are only regarded as a myth. Other aircraft with much larger squared windows, including the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, Douglas DC-7, and DC-8, had experienced different issues with their windows. As a result, the weakened window integrity potentially played a part in the loss of the Comets, but it was not the sole perpetrator.

 

Airplane windows: Why aren't they bigger?
Photo: Getty Images

 

Yet, these concerns were met with action. Since the 1950s, studies have proven that circular windows are easier on the seal of the windows, now made of acrylic, unlike the historic glass windows. Additionally, offsetting pressure on circular windows allows pressure to be greater dispersed throughout the window, leading to less stress on any one part of the acrylic. Although sealing pressure continues to be a talking point around airplanes in 2024, window damage is less common today.

 

Everything on an aircraft is meticulously studied and searched. All circular windows do not include a bleed-hole, which helps keep fog buildup and assists in offsetting pressure in windows as well.  

 



ADVERTISEMENT • REMOVE ALL ADS

 AeroXplorer is on Telegram! Subscribe to the AeroXplorer Telegram Channel to receive aviation news updates as soon as they are released. View Channel 

Comments (0)

Add Your Comment

SHARE

TAGS

INFORMATIONAL Windows Aircraft Technical Engineering

RECENTLY PUBLISHED

Ethiopian Airlines Expands Fleet with Second Airbus A350-1000 Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopia's national carrier, has taken delivery of its second Airbus A350-1000, registered as ET-BAX. This advanced aircraft is powered by Trent XWB-97 engines, further solidifying the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet. NEWS READ MORE »
Porter Airlines Launches Seasonal Montréal-Fort Myers Route In addition to the Montréal-Fort Myers route, Porter offers non-stop flights to Fort Myers from Toronto Pearson and Ottawa, expanding its network to meet the growing demand for convenient travel options. NEWS READ MORE »
Kenya Airways Renews Codeshare Agreement with China Eastern Airlines Kenya Airways has renewed its codeshare agreement with China Eastern Airlines, reaffirming its commitment to providing seamless connectivity between Africa and China. NEWS READ MORE »


SHOP

$2999
NEW!AeroXplorer Aviation Sweater Use code AVGEEK for 10% off! BUY NOW

FOLLOW US ONLINE