Window equipment specialist Vision Systems (Booth C12545) is further developing its dimmable windows into smarter products. Vision Systems windows will be installed on new aircraft–such as the HondaJet, the Falcon 5X and an unspecified Gulfstream–or can be retrofitted during refurbishing or a C-check. The company is simultaneously expanding its offerings in composite-material components.

The Nuance Touchless window is controlled via hand gesture and no longer needs any contact with a physical control, CEO Carl Putman told AIN during a visit to the company’s headquarters near Lyon, France. The passenger can set dimming strips from clear to dark, one after the other and from the top down, just like a Venetian blind, by moving his or her hand near the window and then moving the hand upward or downward. Moving the hand sideward sets the level of opacity.

The new Touchless functions can be combined with the Energia concept, where the window has transparent photovoltaic cells integrated into the glazing. The solar-powered window thus stores energy in a battery, and the amount harvested is more than enough power for the dimmable window. Therefore, Energia windows can include a reading light or a USB socket to charge a mobile phone, using simply solar power. France-based Sunpartner Technologies supplies the transparent cells.

Photovoltaic power also solves a certification issue. A conventional dimmable window receives its power from the aircraft's electrical system. If it’s fitted on an emergency exit, a backup battery must be added. Otherwise, with loss of power it defers to its default state–dark. The self-powered concept easily keeps the emergency exit windows clear.

For the cockpit, Vision Systems is developing a dimmable sun visor.

Another Vision Systems product line is helicopter windows. The main customer is Airbus Helicopters, which buys 80 percent of its windows in Lyon, according to a Visions Systems executive. The company has started production of jettisonable windows for the H160 medium twin. Each of the six windows Vision Systems manufactures for the H160 involve a composite frame with complex geometry. The H160 project includes emergency mechanical unlocking systems, door seals and foul-weather windows.

The H160 program was a major factor in the decision to build a new $1.7 million composites factory. The 10,000-sq-ft facility is scheduled to be ready for manufacturing by year-end, and an autoclave will be added in 2016. Vision Systems officials are confident they will sign contracts with other helicopter manufacturers soon.

The company employs 80 in its aerospace business, accounting for revenues of $18 million in 2014. Putman said that should grow to $23 million in 2020. o