Why Aeroplane Windows Are Round or Oval But Not Square?

An aeroplane flew on the morning of January 10, 1954 from Rome to its destination, London. Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff at an altitude of around 27,000 feet the flight crashed into the Mediterranean Sea, perishing 29 passengers and 6 crew. A similar incident was reported a few months later that year, an aeroplane crashed killing 21 people. The reason came out, it was due to metal fatigue around the square shaped windows. It might be shocking to you - how can a simple shape make such a big difference in terms of flight safety?

Discussed incidents of the de Havilland Comet which was the world's first jetliner given its square windows for aesthetic and design reasons. When a plane takes off, it creates huge pressure and in the case of the de Havilland Comet also the repeated pressurisation caused stress to concentrate at the corners of those square windows that led to its catastrophic failure. To find the cause, detailed investigations were done at that time by engineers to realise that the shape was the culprit.

Current round or oval windows that you see in planes are capable of distributing air pressure and stress evenly preventing weak points. Wherever a flight is in the air or takes off, it goes through cycles of pressurisation and depressurisation, and the round edges of windows handles this stress better.

Rounded windows of plane also help to improve aerodynamic integrity and structural durability which makes air travel safer. If you notice a slight change in aviation, then know that a small change in design go through years of testing and engineering for validation.

Humans learns from their mistakes that occurred in history. Mentioned two incidents that reshaped aviation safety standards today. What general masses might think a minor choice for aesthetic, in terms of shape or looks, can be a matter of life and death. So the next time you take a flight, glance out of the window and be reminded of this article.

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Q1. Why are aeroplane windows curved?

Ans: For safety reasons

Q2. What is a curved window called?

Ans: A bow window

Q3. What is the scientific name for the round window?

Ans: fenestra cochleae, fenestra rotunda. MeSH.