US firm to design new windshields for Ukraine’s Antonov An-132 transport

Karl Berger (left), PPG’s general manager of Aerospace in the Middle East and India regions, and Antonov president Oleksandr Kryvokon (right), have executed the memorandum of understanding for PPG to design windshields for the Antonov An-132 (PPG)

Pittsburgh, USA-headquartered PPG is to be added to a long and growing list of western suppliers for the Antonov/Taqnia An-132 transport aircraft.

PPG has begun preliminary windshield design work for the Antonov An-132 twin-engined turboprop, following the execution of a memorandum of understanding, the US company announced on June 27.

It is the first Antonov aircraft for which PPG will provide its specific transparencies expertise. “We appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate our unique ability to work with our customers to address their challenges and bring product benefits that far exceed their expectations,” says Brent Wright, PPG’s global director, aerospace transparencies.

The Antonov An-132 multipurpose transport is a new-generation version of the original 1976 Soviet/Ukrainian An-32 aircraft, but with no Russian-made components. The programme is being implemented by Antonov in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Taqnia Aeronautics Co. The first aircraft will be assembled in Ukraine, with series manufacturing transitioning to Saudi Arabia, with the involvement of Taqnia Aeronautics and KACST.

The revitalised aircraft are to be fitted with a number of western-made components, including Pratt and Whitney Canada PW150 turboprop engines, R408 Dowty Propellers, Honeywell’s Primus Epic integrated avionics systems, Ipeco’s crew seats, Liebherr’s life support systems, Hamilton Sundstrand-supplied Auxiliary Power Units (APU), Zodiac integrated oxygen systems and Crouzet cabin management systems.

According to Antonov president Oleksandr Kryvokon, Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer selected PPG to design the identical pilot and co-pilot windshields because of PPG’s global leadership and advanced technology.

“PPG is recognised as the world’s most experienced aerospace transparencies manufacturer, and its innovative windshield design will contribute to the efficiencies of the An-132 aircraft through reduced weight and the increased reliability of the cockpit windshields,” Kryvokon states.

Once commercial terms are agreed, PPG and Antonov will develop the final design and production schedule. Certified approval of each of the two windshields is due to be completed in 2019.

PPG’s aerospace business range includes coatings, sealants, transparencies, packaging and application systems, transparent armour, as well as chemical management and other services.