The A350 MASK! Cockpit window shape EXPLAINED BY CAPTAIN JOE

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00:00 Intro
00:31 A350 launch
01:17 Old cockpit windows
01:46 Reduced drag
02:21 Pressure distribution
02:38 Rain/Snow Repellent
03:13 The black mask
04:14 Marketing Stunt?
04:57 The future masks
06:00 4 Questions for you
07:13 Outro

(Article by Simple Flying)
One of the most distinctive aspects of the new Airbus aircraft is the black ‘mask’ or visor around the windshield. Starting from the A350, new models like the A330neo and A321LR and beyond will all feature this. Here’s why Airbus aircraft have this unique design.

While the windshield mask certainly looks striking and unique, the reason for having it is not just aesthetic. To understand the masking, we first have to understand the unique windshield design on new Airbus planes.

According to Ruby, a Virgin Atlantic blog, the curved windshield design on these aircraft increases the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the planes. The A350 was the first Airbus aircraft to feature a curved cockpit glass, which allows the airflow to hug the surface of the glass with less turbulence, and thereby reduce drag.

Additionally, the windows’ concave design along the nose of the aircraft gives pilots a better view of ground operations when at the airport. But what about the black masking around the windshield?

The black masking on this new windshield serves a purpose too. According to Airbus,

“The emblematic “sunglasses” like black windshield eases the window’s maintenance and contributes to harmonising the thermal condition of this temperature-sensitive window area.”
Put simply, this means the black color adjusts better to the temperatures surrounding the aircraft. Planes routinely go through rapid temperature changes, taking off from hot airports in the cold atmosphere, and all parts must adjust to this change.
The curved windshield and black “sunglasses” masking has continued from the A350 and found itself on all subsequent Airbus aircraft. The A330neo received the new design in 2017, clearly differentiating it from the older A330s. The first narrowbody aircraft to sport the new look was A321LR in 2018, cementing the new design as integral to the entire lineup.
We also know that the upcoming A321XLR will also feature the black masking from renders of the aircraft. The decision means that nearly all Airbus planes made in the next decade with feature this striking design.

Unique
Modern aircraft all look fairly similar, only varying by the size of their fuselage (although here’s a guide to always know what plane you’re looking at). However, manufacturers always try to add something unique to their planes. Usually, it’s the wings and wingtips of the specific planes, but Airbus and Boeing both have other features too.

New Boeing planes are instantly recognizable by the serrated engine covers on the 787 and 737 MAXs. Combined with the specific wing designs, spotting Boeing and Airbus planes has become quite easy now. However, it is sad to see the serrated covers won’t be returning on the 777X, putting their future in doubt.

I hope you enjoyed this video!

Thank you very much for your time! I hope you enjoy this video!
Wishing you all the best!

Your "Captain" Joe

Big thank you to all other youtubers who provided me with the video material to create this video. Your content is highly appreciated. Please follow their channels:
@Airbus
@Larry La Guerre
@AviationCity
@Flightradar24
@Airfrance
@AirBorn Media

Intro Song:
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[kstricl]

All right, that banana catch without breaking your pacing was excellent.

[evanflredondo]

The black windshield mask is actually a good look. It makes the jet look a lot sleeker. Air Canada has actually included the look in their new livery and I think it looks clean.

[TheCostan]

Airbus engineers: "you can have the windshield outline in any color you want, as long as it's black"

[alexxhater]

ANA painted their A380s as turtles... They need to get some A350s and paint them as raccoons.

[NameNaameNameeNaamee]

It's just such a joy listening to you. This fluent style of "free" talking is super rare on aviation videos, being a non native speaker no less. Kudos!

[Gsoda]

The mask have an additional feature. Perfectly themed getaway vehicle for Robin and Batman.

[humairaalam]

Can you please tell me how many times did you do the retakes for the banana short.... LoL... But on a serious note I can understand the hard work and effort u make on each and every video.. lots of love captain ❤️❤️

[michaelerfurth]

Greetings from a former germanwings purser cpt joe a like makes me very happy 😀

[CreeperGreenMC]

Glad that you included the outtakes, my brain was wandering the whole time if the banana scene was one-take or not

[LtNduati]

That Banana catch, surely, puts you into the pool of consideration for the next James Bond. That was so smooth, even 007 would have preferred it stirred rather than shaken.

[LuxPlanes]

are planespottingrobs pictures in the calander? 👀

[pinaricyt]

I think the black-lined windshield looks amazing. Kudos for Airbus for coming up with an engineering solution that not only works but also looks cool (like those winglets!)

[ckhound]

The most gorgeous plane in the sky :) (along with the A380)

[talhaaziz]

Absolutely yes for all of your questions.
I am an AME, passionately working in Qatar Airways. A350 is one of my favorite aircraft. 💜💞

[twokneo]

I‘ve recently read that „the black color helps to reduce maintenance costs. When replacing a cockpit panel, chipping is a common occurrence around the edges. These are easier to paint over with the universal black than if you have to find the airline's exact fuselage color every time. In addition, the border helps to compensate for temperature differences. This reduces the forces on the windows. Cracks are less likely to occur.“

[vicf]

Love seeing the outtakes/bloopers from the video. Please keep that as a feature.

[faristassan]

Thanks for the consistency in uploading Joe, I love your videos!

[robink]

I have also heard, that the mask's purpose is to make the frames of the replacement windows all the same colour and so for reduce maintenance cost...

[robsmith]

The black window surrounds look cool and certainly stand out when seen from the terminal before boarding

[chrisskelhorn]

Did Ford paint the outside of Transit windscreens for the same reason?

And, were they specially trained aerodynamic bananas? 😃

Great video Joe, thank you! 😃