Composite window with thermal shock resistance, and method to increase thermal shock resistance of a composite window

A hypersonic vehicle comprising:

• a window installation that includes:
• a window;
• a frame;
• a filler material between the window and the frame, wherein filler material is a phase-change material that provides a floating connection between the window and the frame when the filler material is in a liquid state, and that provides a connection between the window and the frame that is more rigid than the floating connection, when the filler material is in a solid state;
• and
• a sensor operatively coupled to the window;
• wherein the filler material is configured to change phase during flight of the hypersonic vehicle.

A method of supporting a window, the method comprising:

• connecting the window to a frame with a filler material, wherein the filler material is a phase-change filler material;
• providing a relatively rigid coupling between the window and the frame when filler material is in a solid state;
• and
• melting the filler material to provide a less rigid floating coupling between the window and the frame.