The reason for the absence of cockpit glazing on the prospective supersonic aircraft in Russia is related to aerodynamic requirements for flights at such speeds. This was reported by aviation expert Andrey Velichko.
According to him, the fuselage shape with a “dark cockpit” allows operation in the speed range of Mach 1.4–2.0.
The crew's view will be provided through visible and infrared cameras with image output to onboard monitors. Passenger windows will remain in the standard configuration.
Velichko added that the airframe of the future aircraft differs from the Tu-144 and Concorde. Engineers focused on reducing wave drag and shock loads during supersonic flight.
Andrey Popov, chief specialist of GosNIIAS for unmanned aircraft systems, stated that the supersonic passenger aircraft was approved without traditional frontal glazing.
