Useful purpose or purely to draw attention….

It’s not difficult to notice that many Airbus aircraft now sport what’s become known as the raccoon mask around the windshield.

Initially described as monobrow, it began with the A350. Newer models such as A330neo and A321LR/neo family already feature, with more to come.

So, what’s the purpose? Whilst the mask looks striking and unique, it’s not just there for that purpose. The curved windshield design on these aircraft increases the overall aerodynamic efficiency. The A350 was the first Airbus to feature a curved cockpit glass, which allows airflow to hug the glass surface with less turbulence and reduction of drag. Also, the windshield’s concave design along the nose gives pilots a better view of ground operations.

According to Airbus “the emblematic “Ray-Ban” like black windshield eases the window’s maintenance and contributes to harmonising the thermal condition of this temperature-sensitive window area”. Simply put, the black colour adjusts better to the temperatures surrounding the aircraft. They routinely undergo rapid temperature changes, taking off from hot airports into the cold atmosphere.

The “Zorro” mask boosts both aircraft efficiency and safety, priorities for all carriers around the world. Traditionally, the windshield consists of 6 glass panels. The Airbus solution reduces this to 4.

Other benefits include an anti-glare shield. The black surface absorbs sunlight and minimises glare. Therefore, at cruising altitude it increases comfort and reduces visual fatigue for the flight crew.

The A330neo received the innovative design in 2017, which clearly differentiates it from the older A330s. The first narrowbody, A321LR, first sported the new look in 2018. The A321XLR also now features the black masking. Nearly all Airbus aircraft in the next decade will feature this striking design.

Why do some airlines’ A321neos have the raccoon mask and others don’t? We’ll look at 3 major US carriers to answer this question. Delta was very quick to embrace the mask for its A321neos. The carrier’s decision was an obvious one. Its A350 and A330neo already have it, so adding to A321neo was about consistency. Also clearly highlighting some of the newest aircraft in its fleet. Unlike the A350, the mask is optional on the A321neo. American Airlines and United opted out. American’s fleet renewal was already underway when it was introduced so they decided not to change their orders, also to maintain brand consistency. United’s decision echoed their competitor’s choice. Multiple livery adjustments were being made after the acquisition of Continental.

Air Canada’s new livery released in 2017 included a thick black outline around each aircraft’s flightdeck. It’s not an exact copy of the Airbus one as it remains flat across the top with the bottom edge bending upwards to meet the top line. As a clear nod to the popularity of this feature, it’s now implemented across the fleet from A220 to B777. Other airlines to copy the Airbus design are Germany’s Discover. By applying to existing A320-200 and A330-300, it’s creating the illusion that they’re younger than they are! Likewise, HiFly has put it on their ageing A330-300 and A340-300. Alaska-based start-up Northern Pacific doing the same with their ex-American Airlines B757.

From my initial search for further information on this unique application, it appears a popular discussion topic amongst aviators and enthusiasts alike.

In other news –

Finnair – on 7 October, to mark 10 years of A350 operations, the airline brought its Santa livery to LHR. Reg OH-LWA. Whilst good to see this milestone being honoured, but several enthusiasts commented that it was a bit early to be getting a visit from “the big man”!

Lufthansa – recently held a Capital Markets Day to keep investors up to date on how the group is doing, plans for the future, etc. One interesting comment to come out of this meeting was from the CEO, Carsten Spohr. He wondered whether there were too many airlines in the LH Group. Is that an admission that his plan has not worked and there will now be a consolidation programme? Aviation media sources have not yet speculated on what could happen.

And finally –

EasyJet – after the recent announcement of losses, speculation began as to what this meant for the low-cost carrier. Some from a sound base of rising fuel costs, economic conditions in countries where they have bases, etc. Others less knowledgeable. The company has recently announced the opening of a new Marrakesh base. The harsh reality is many airlines are experiencing losses whilst undergoing restructuring, fleet renewal, reduced passenger numbers, etc.

Information courtesy of Simple Flying, SDTV Live

Images courtesy of Grupo One Air, EirTech

©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers