PPG Aerospace, a Sylmar manufacturer of aircraft windows, has received a contract to provide the cockpit windows for the new model Eclipse 550 very light jet. The San Fernando Valley firm also will provide newly designed windshield and cockpit window spares for the existing Eclipse 500 fleet. PPG will begin delivery of the Eclipse 550 windows in the middle of next year. The windows will be made from a material that combines the durability and strength of glass and the lightweight benefits of acrylic. The anti-static windows meet requirements to resist a strike by a 2-pound bird at 200 knots. The windows will capitalize on PPG’s design and manufacturing expertise, said Arthur Scott, global director of general-aviation aerospace transparencies for PPG. “PPG’s glass-faced acrylic windshields will be more durable, have improved aesthetics and optics, and be coated to drain precipitative static charges,” said Scott, in a prepared statement. The Eclipse 550 is a twin-engine aircraft with a wingspan of 40 feet and seating for up to six passengers. It is manufactured by Eclipse Aviation of Albuquerque, N.M. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2013. PPG Aerospace is a subsidiary of PPG Industries Inc., a publicly traded Cleveland company that manufactures coatings for various industries. Mark R. Madler
