Summary: Federal Specification for ATCT Transparent Plastic Window Shades

This document is a Federal Specification (Section 12 24 12) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on October 23, 2012, establishing material, fabrication, and installation requirements for transparent plastic window shades used in Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) cabins. The shades are designed to reduce direct and reflective glare from the sun while contributing to temperature control in tower cabs and may be installed as single or dual configurations as specified in project solicitations.

Product Requirements and Specifications:

The shade material must be manufactured from polyester polymer per Federal Specification L-F-377b, utilizing a 5-mil, 3-ply laminated polyester film construction with two vat-dyed gray sheets and hard coat S/R applied to one side, resulting in optically clear and fully transparent film at 5 gauge thickness. Performance standards include visible light transmission not exceeding 4 percent, ultraviolet transmission not exceeding 2 percent, and total solar energy rejection of 60.5 percent (with solar absorptions of 61 percent and solar heat gain coefficient of 0.40), all measured by AIMCAL Standard Methods. Primary shades must be dark, heavy-duty F72 SR shades by Plastic-View (Simi Valley, CA), while secondary shades must be DS 8 SR material by Plastic-View or FAA-approved equivalents. The roller shade system requires a flat 1-inch by ½-inch dull black hemline bar (minimum 26 gauge), 9/64-inch diameter black nylon cordage, 1-3/4-inch corrosion-resistant metal-wrapped rollers with spring loading and safety cotter key retainers, and mounting brackets with 2-1/4-inch resting ledges. Installation must follow manufacturer instructions with shades positioned to within ½-inch of maximum width and ¾-inch of columns on vertical sides, with horizontal seams located minimum 70 inches from the bottom and a minimum of 15 inches of material remaining on the roller when fully extended. Manufacturers must comply with AIMCAL standards, have 10 years of transparent plastic window shade production experience, and provide products passing NFPA 701 flame-resistance testing. A one-year warranty against faulty materials and workmanship is required.