HAMBURG, GERMANY, April 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There have recently been significant innovative advancements in electronically dimmable window (EDW) products using Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) SPD-Smart technology. Licensees of Research Frontiers, which have SPD-Smart EDWs as standard equipment in general aviation, and their strategic partners, are presenting innovative products to the commercial aviation industry this week. The Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany is the leading global event for the commercial aircraft interiors industry. SPD-Smart EDWs allow passengers and flight crews to instantly vary the tint of their windows, from clear to very dark and any intermediate state desired – either manually with the touch of a button, or automatically with the use of airframe-mounted sensors. EDWs using SPD-Smart technology improve the passenger experience in other ways including delivering a quieter and cooler cabin. With no moving parts and fewer and more robust components, replacing window shades with SPD-Smart EDWs also reduces operating costs, maintenance, cleaning, and cost of ownership.
Fokker Services SPD-Smart EDWs
Fokker Services will be actively promoting their Element EDW brand of SPD-Smart EDWs in Hamburg. Fokker is showcasing an Airbus A320 mockup which includes two Element EDWs integrated into a sidewall. The EDWs replace the inboard “scratch lens” (the surface closest to the passenger), resulting in benefits including improved optical clarity, and the perception of larger windows as the scratch lens panel has a larger surface area than the structural window. Fokker will also showcase a Boeing 737 cabin mockup which includes Element EDWs.
Fokker’s EDWs are now available for many commercial aircraft in the aftermarket – for a list of aircraft and information about service, installation and other topics please review this publication.
For more information, we invite you to view Fokker’s Element EDW brochure.
Fokker works in collaboration with Research Frontiers licensee InspecTech Aero Service to bring SPD-Smart EDWs to commercial aviation – the team is currently active in both the OEM new production segment and the airline aftermarket segment. InspecTech is very involved in business aviation as well – their SPD-Smart EDWs are flying on over 40 different models of aftermarket business aircraft, and are currently standard OEM equipment on all models of new production Textron-Beechcraft King Airs.
Vision Systems Featuring SPD-Smart Products for Airline Cabins and Cockpits
AIX visitors will experience new and innovative products by Research Frontiers licensee Vision Systems. These SPD-Smart solutions are designed to meet the airline industry’s quest for improving the airline passenger experience. This week will also represent the world premier of Vision System’s Info-Vision, the first smart information window integrating both SPD-Smart and electroluminescent technologies. This economical innovation, for use in windows and cabin dividers, provides passengers with travel information right on the panel. The tint of the Info-Vision window or divider can automatically adjust in real-time, providing optimal contrast and readability.
Other SPD-Smart EDW solutions from Vision Systems featured at AIX in Hamburg include:
+ Second-generation Nuance V2 and Nuance V2 Ultra-Dark: enhanced optics and lower cost.
+ Nuance V2 Multizone: allows independent control of light through different zones of the EDW.
+ Noctis V2: passengers have the ability to opaque the EDW in addition to controlling the tint.
+ Nuance Smart-Shell: a retrofit EDW product covering cockpit side windows.
+ Nuance Energia: a dimmable sun visor integrating a transparent photovoltaic film for self-power.
For a more complete description of Vision Systems’ brands of SPD-Smart passenger cabin and cockpit products to be showcased at AIX booth, please see:
Vision Systems press release.
Research Frontiers press release.
Improving the Airline Passenger Experience and Reducing Operating Costs with SPD-Smart EDW Systems
“The clear goal in business and commercial aviation, both OEM new production and the aftermarket segments, is to improve the passenger experience, increase passenger comfort and services, increase safety, and reduce operating costs. The products being shown this week in Hamburg using SPD-Smart technology from Research Frontiers accomplishes all of these important objectives.” noted Joseph M. Harary, President and CEO of Research Frontiers.
A major innovation on improving the passenger experience is the SPD-Smart EDW system, which delivers a potent and unique solution to improving how passengers feel while in flight. By allowing passengers and flight crews to precisely tune the tint of EDWs to control the amount of daylight coming through windows, passengers continue to comfortably enjoy views, rather than blocking their view with a shade. The system delivers other critical passenger experience benefits including a cooler and quieter cabin due to remarkable thermal and acoustic insulation. Transmission of heat and noise through cabin windows has historically been the weak link in providing passengers relief from outside elements, and an SPD-Smart EDW system is the solution.
With no moving parts to break down, and the heat-rejecting benefits of SPD-Smart technology reducing the need to use supplemental electrical systems and auxiliary power units while on the ramp, SPD-Smart technology offers airlines substantial cost-savings and maintenance benefits.
About Research Frontiers Inc.
Research Frontiers (Nasdaq: REFR) is the developer of SPD-Smart light-control technology which allows users to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the shading of glass or plastic, either manually or automatically. Research Frontiers has an infrastructure of over 40 licensed companies that collectively are capable of serving the growing global demand for smart glass products in automobiles, homes, buildings, museums, aircraft and boats. For more information, please visit our website at www.SmartGlass.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Note: From time to time Research Frontiers may issue forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ and are not guaranteed. Any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly. "SPD-Smart" is a trademark of Research Frontiers Inc. “Element EDW” is a trademark of Fokker Services. “Info-Vision,” “Nuance V2,” Nuance V2 Ultra-Dark,” Noctis V2,” Nuance Smart-Shell,” and “Nuance Energia” are trademarks of Vision Systems.