Do big aircraft have windscreen wipers?

Answer 1

Yes they do.
I am an Aircraft Mechanic and worked on B747's, BAe146's A340's.

I used to service those wipers. Function checked, did removal and replacement.

Answer 2

They certainly do! We only use them when taking off , landing or taxying when a clear view of the surroundings is important. We normally switch them off immediately after takeoff cos you then fly by instruments on a pre-set departure track.

Landings in heavy rain need the wipers on full as we are flying slowly, and the rain impacts the windscreen - strangely enough, at higher speeds (more than 220 knots /250mph approx.) the rain just rushes right past in the slipstream and doesn't even hit the windscreen!

Most people mentioned rain repellent - most major operators don't use the rain repellent now as it is expensive and not good for the environment, would you believe!

Answer 3

It depends on the make and model of the aircraft. Most have wipers, some aircraft use a bleed air system to blow the rain off of the windscreen.

Answer 4

Yes they have windscreen wipers and special rain repellant fluid to assist in keeping the windscreen clean.

In addition to them the actual windshield is electrically heated for anti-icing and anti-fogging. The windows are heated when the cockpit switches are on continuously by passing an electrical current through a thin film in the laminated glass. This may cause the window to appear tinted when viewed on an angle.

Answer 5

Yes, we do have wipers on our windshields. We use them on the ground if it is raining and we can use them in the air below a certain speed. Usually they are not needed though as the rain is blown off by our speed through the air. In heavier precipitation while at a slow speed while landing I use mine. Some don't though.

Answer 6

on larger aircraft, some manufacturers do have recessed wipers, though using them at cruising speed would be bad because they would fly off. So there are safeties built in. travelling at 400 mph and faster, water sheens off nicely. And its usually not a problem to see out the windows at landing speed either, which I will tell you is just above stall speed on most passenger planes.

Answer 7

The CRJ that I fly, while by no means one of the bigger aircraft, does have wipers... and the 747 has wipers... they are not really necessary during any flying portion of the flight but while taxxing, they come in very handy!

Answer 8

Some do, some don't. The one's that don't use air pressure directed across the window to clear the water off.

Answer 9

Of course: They are typicly used once they have landed or ready for departure. They do not need them for flying or landing, as they have ILS (instrument landing system) for landing, and they typicly fly using thier FMS (flight management system) which is tied into the autopilot. The wipers are useful, just like for your car, so they can taxi to the gate or ramp or can be used while heading to the runway for take off.

Answer 10

Yes, even 747s have wipers.