[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]I've always hated those tiny airplane windows that show nothing of the world you're flying over. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Flying is the great perk of the modern world. Racing high over beautiful landscapes, catching epic sunrises, slicing through clouds, its an exquisite way to appreciate natures grandeur. And while you might not get to enjoy itstuck in the middle seat in economy, craning your neck to see through that tiny porthole of a windowthose who can afford airborne luxury have a better view. And thanks to Embraer, its about to get way, way better.[/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Story @ https://www.wired.com/2016/05/private-jets-get-door-sized-windows-always-needed/[/FONT]
Airplane passenger windows are small for a reason. They are designed to maximize the areas of fuselage to increase the strength of the airframe. The strongest airframe fuselage would have no windows. Large windows were the cause of the loss of a couple De Havilland Comets because of the strain put on the airframe due to pressurization caused metal fatigue in the areas of fuselage between the windows. Two catastrophic ruptures occurred at altitude as a direct result. Any discontinuity in the skin of the aircraft compromises its strength.
I'm not technically familiar with "expansive glass" so perhaps someone can explain why it would allow this to fly safely.
As I understand it the Comet's problems were mainly exacerbated by the windows having corners, which gave fatigue cracks a place to start and grow from. OTOH I really can't credit the idea that they would not have copied that little trick of round portholes from boats, so I dunno. I'm of two minds here. I love flying for the view and always pay extra for the window seat. OTOH a floor to ceiling transparent wall at 8 miles high might be a tad more unsettling than thrilling, IMO.
