CMP riddle #003

[Phil Waterman]

I remember this coming up in the CMP '84 seminar, answers given as I recall reflect no one reasons. Among the reasons given and discussed:

Sun reflected on a closed windshield would reflect toward the ground and not back to an aircraft.

That dirt and snow tend to fall off which is good because the windshield wipers were marginal at best. Quite frankly most of the time you don't need the wipers in even heavy rain.

The angle of reflected light from the inside when driving under blackout conditions was better because it put the glass perpendicular to the viewing path from the drivers eyes to the area actually lit by the blackout headlights. I doubt this one as I have driven my vehicle extensively under black out conditions it works for following another vehicle but if you are the lead vehicle you want the windshield open all the way.

I suspect the first two are the real reason for the reverse windshield, either that or the designers took a perverse pride in creating a very distinct vehicle.

Cheers Phil