Patent ID: 7578474
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. A window assembly for an airborne mobile platform, comprising: a window panel positioned over an opening in a body portion of said mobile platform, said window panel having a composite construction with a plurality of openings around a periphery thereof for enabling said window panel to be secured to said mobile platform; a substantially transparent fairing positioned over an exterior surface of said window panel within said opening in said body portion; a seal interposed between a perimeter of an outer surface of the window panel and a perimeter of an inside surface of said fairing for spacing said fairing away from said window panel a predetermined distance, and further forming a sealed air gap between said window panel and said fairing which reduces deflection of said fairing; and a retainer assembly for retaining said fairing in position over said window panel fixedly relative to said body portion of said mobile platform, and with an exterior surface of said fairing generally flush with an exterior surface of said body portion; said retainer assembly including: a lip filler element interposed between said exterior surface of said window panel and an inside surface of said body portion, and such that an end of said lip filler element is positioned adjacent a peripheral edge of said fairing; and a retainer clip adapted to engage with said end of said lip filler element and also with a peripheral edge portion of said fairing so as to contact an outer surface of said fairing.