How strong are cockpit windshields from a Boeing 737 airplane - heavy sniper rifle

Published on July 16, 2018
Duration: 13:27

This video tests the ballistic resistance of Boeing 737 cockpit windshields against various heavy rifle calibers. A .50 BMG round penetrated the first two layers but was stopped by the third, while smaller calibers like 9mm and .458 SOCOM were stopped by the initial layers. The windshield's integrity was significantly compromised after initial impacts, allowing subsequent rounds to penetrate more easily.

Quick Summary

A Boeing 737 cockpit windshield, approximately 1-1.5 inches thick, demonstrated significant ballistic resistance. It stopped a .50 BMG round after the third layer, and smaller calibers like 9mm and .458 SOCOM were stopped by initial layers. However, compromised glass was easily penetrated by subsequent shots.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Boeing 737 Windshield Overview
  2. 02:12.50 BMG Ballistic Test: First Impact
  3. 05:209mm & .458 SOCOM Tests on Windshield
  4. 07:21.308 & Second .50 BMG Test (Compromised Glass)
  5. 10:485.7x28mm & .44 Magnum Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Boeing 737 cockpit windshield stop a .50 BMG round?

Yes, a Boeing 737 cockpit windshield can stop a .50 BMG round. In testing, the third layer of the 1-1.5 inch thick glass successfully stopped a .50 BMG tracer round after it penetrated the first two layers.

How thick is a Boeing 737 cockpit windshield?

The cockpit windshields from a Boeing 737 are approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick. They are designed to withstand bird strikes and other aviation-related impacts, not necessarily direct rifle fire.

What happens when a compromised aircraft windshield is shot again?

When a Boeing 737 windshield is already compromised by an initial impact, subsequent shots from the same or similar caliber rounds can penetrate all layers much more easily due to the existing fractures and structural damage.

Which rifle calibers were tested against the 737 windshield?

The video tested .50 BMG, 9mm, .458 SOCOM, .308, 5.7x28mm, and .44 Magnum rounds against the Boeing 737 cockpit windshield. Most smaller calibers were stopped by initial layers.

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