How strong is an airplane windshield?
The windshield of airplane cockpit is like a super- strong sandwich! The innermost layer can withstand large pressure difference between inside and outside the aircraft; the outer layer can resist bird strikes and hail, ensuring the pilot has a clear view; the middle layer can provide extra safety. Because they are located at the front of the airplane, cockpit windshields are designed to withstand bird strikes. According to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), bird strikes — along with other animal strikes — cause over $900 million in aircraft damage per year.