Space Shuttle Orbiter windshield bird impact analysisThe NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter's windshield employs three glass panes separated by air gaps. The brittleness of the glass offers much less birdstrike energy-absorption capability than the laminated polycarbonate windshields of more conventional aircraft; attention must accordingly be given to the risk of catastrophic bird impact, and to methods of strike prevention that address bird populations around landing sites rather than the modification of the window's design. Bird populations' direct reduction, as well as careful scheduling of Orbiter landing times, are suggested as viable alternatives. The question of birdstrike-resistant glass windshield design for hypersonic aerospacecraft is discussed.
Document ID
19890026257
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Edelstein, Karen S. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Mccarty, Robert E. (USAF, Wright Aeronautical Laboratories, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, United States)