CAB 13 Pattern

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Bill,

It isn't so obvious as many people think! As David said, one often reads the windshield on the Cab 13 was reverse sloped to prevent reflections off the front screen alerting aircraft. But then why would the windshield be allowed to open upward? The glass then still reflects sunlight upward!

The second reason David listed - "to reduce glare" - was the real reason, I believe. This is endorsed by a quote from page 208 of the Third Edition of the Ford Instruction Book Special Pattern Vehicles:
"The windshield slants forward placing the surface of the glass square with the driver's line of vision to the road and reduces the possibility of reflected light interfering with the driver's vision. It is exceptionally effective during blackout operations."

Regards,
Hanno