Aerospace Technologies Group (ATG) has launched innovative and enhanced new dual function aerBlade electronic window shades.
The electronically operated window shade system allows passenger control with a touch of a button. The passenger can choose a view that is clear, sun blocking or full blackout and crew can automatically lower and raise all window shades on the aircraft from the flight attendant panel – eliminating travelling through the cabin during take-off and landing.
The shade can match the cabin environment with graphic patterns, faux fabric textures or other surface treatments and the inboard passenger side has a protective clear lens, making it easy to clean and keep germ-free. The dual shade aerBlade version includes a second shade which is uniquely tinted, allowing the passenger to block the bright sunlight and still provide viewing outside the aircraft.
The combination of opaque and translucent shades has overcome all the deficiencies of electronic dimmable windows, such as lack of a true blackout, mirror-like reflective glare in the cabin when EDWs are turned darkest, and the inability to maintain either dark or clear when powerless. The aerBlade with the opaque shade lowered is full blackout, without reflective glare and a customisable cosmetic appearance.
Equipped with ATG’s NextGen electronic controls, aerBlade provides IoT functionality and connectivity to onboard maintenance and cabin management systems, enabling the transfer of performance metrics, remote diagnostics and programming updates without removing the shade from the aircraft.
The company plans to offer future models of aerBlade for a wide range of commercial aircraft including the Airbus A350, A321LR and A321XLR. Today, ATG electric window shades can be found on small, mid, and large cabin business jets, as well as Boeing 777-300ER, A380, and A350 aircraft in the premium class seating areas of the more discerning carriers.
aerBlade deliveries to commercial airlines will commence in Q3 2023 and it will be on in-service aircraft by Q3 2024.
