Business aircraft window equipment specialist Vision Systems is further developing its dimmable windows into more self-contained products. Its new Nuance Touchless window is controlled via gesture, no longer needing any contact between a user's finger and a physical control, CEO Carl Putman told AIN this week at the company's headquarters near Lyon, France. Passengers can set the windows from the clear to the dark position, one after the other and from the top down like a Venetian blind, just by approaching their hand near the window and moving it upward or downward, as well as sideward to set the desired level of opacity.

The new function can combine with the company's Energia concept product, where the window has transparent photovoltaic cells integrated into the glazing. It then stores solar-produced energy in a battery large enough to handle the power needs of the dimmable window, as well as a reading light or a USB socket to charge a mobile phone. It also solves a certification issue. A conventional dimmable window receives its power from the aircraft's electric system, so if it is fitted on an emergency exit then a backup battery must be added. Vision Systems' Energia windows are self sufficiently powered and thus not connected to the aircraft's electric system, so they can easily be retrofitted during refurbishing or a C-check.