This is amazing. Seems like a tech approach that should be incorporated into fixed wing builds too to protect against birdstrikes (and maybe drones? )

Wow! Impressive!

That would be cost effective in pipeline 172s that fly around 1200 hours per year and need a windscreen change every couple of years. Heat crazing and pitting that cuts down on good visibility is the most common, but an unlaced with safety wire innocent looking crack will eventually cause part of the windscreen to come out. Been there.

Is it any safer if you get smacked in the face by your windshield?

Plexiglas cracks and large pieces break off and enter the cockpit with the strong relative wind. So yes, missile damage is worse short of being knocked out by the airbag type windscreen. Perhaps a bit thicker material for airplanes. I lost vision in my right eye when when the windscreen split at an unrepaired hairline crack and large pieces broke off and hit me. I have flown many with small holes drilled and the hairline crack stitched up like you tie your shoes with no problem. Brenco's owner, Uncle Rick, was more interested in perfect paperwork and cosmetics.

Zzz wrote:This is amazing. Seems like a tech approach that should be incorporated into fixed wing builds too to protect against birdstrikes (and maybe drones? )

Yes, it's very impressive. It's also cheaper (and provides a boader spectrum of hazard mitigation) to spend $1700 on a helmet and face shield... and wear it!

Good point. The windscreen thing was before I wore glasses. Sometimes wore the SPH-4, but not always.

On a bad day you have to dodge both the bird and the salmon. On takeoff from my local airport.