Glasses and Eye Protection

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Night Vision Sunglasses?

Posted by Graham Warwick at 5/4/2010 7:20 PM CDT

Night-vision goggles have become essential equipment for soldiers and airmen, but are heavy and expensive. Now a University of Florida research team has developed an infrared-to-vision imaging device that is cheap, light and could be added to eyeglasses once the technology is scaled up.


It's heavy, man (Photo: US Air Force)

Conventional image-intensifying NVGs require high voltage and a heavy CRT-like vacuum tube to amplify the meager photons of a moonlit night. This makes them bulky, especially when clipped to a pilot's helmet. UF professor Franky So's imaging device uses organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology - as used in cell phone displays - and is thin and light, the university says.

Replacing the vacuum tube with several layers of thin-film organic semiconductors, the device consists of a photodetector connected to a light-emitting diode. Infrared photons are converted to electrons, which are injected into the LED to generate visible light. So far, So's team has produced versions ranging from millimetre- to nickel-size, but manufacture of larger devices is expected to be inexpensive as it could employ the same equipment used to make laptop screens.

A UF spin-off company, NirVision, has been formed to commercialize the technology, which could give new meaning to this classic exchange from the Blues Brothers:

Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses.

Jake: Hit it.

[buglerbilly]

More stuff from NirVision.............

Nanotechnology Gives Cell Phones Night Vision Capability, Nanoholdings LLC and NirVision Will Commercialize Discovery

Contributed by Alton Parrish (Reporter)

Wednesday, 5 May 2010 12:48

Call it Nitelite: The newest app for cell phones might be night vision. A University of Florida engineering researcher has crafted a nickel-sized imaging device that uses organic light-emitting diode technology similar to that found in cell phone or laptop screens for night vision. But unlike night vision goggles, which are heavy and expensive, the device is paper-thin, light and inexpensive, making it a possible add-on to cell phone cameras, even eyeglasses, once it is enlarged.

A University of Florida engineering researcher has crafted a nickel-sized imaging device that uses organic light-emitting diode technology similar to that found in cell phone or laptop screens for night vision. But unlike night vision goggles, which are heavy and expensive, the device is paper-thin, light and inexpensive, making it a possible add-on to cell phone cameras, even eyeglasses, once it is enlarged.

"Really, this is a very inexpensive device," said Franky So, a UF professor of materials science and engineering. "Incorporating it into a cell phone might not be a big deal."

So is the lead author of a paper about the infrared-to-vision device that appeared in a recent issue of the journal Advanced Materials. Do Young Kim, a postdoctoral associate in materials science and engineering, co-authored the paper and collaborated with So on the project.

Standard night vision goggles use a photocathode to convert invisible infrared light photons into electrons. The electrons are accelerated under high voltage and driven into a phosphorous screen, producing greenish images of objects not visible to the eye in darkness. The process requires thousands of volts and a cathode ray tube-like vacuum tube made of thick glass. That is why the goggles tend to be bulky and heavy.

So's imaging device replaces the vacuum tube with several layers of organic semiconductor thin film materials. The structure is simple: It consists of a photodetector connected in series with an LED. When operating, infrared light photons are converted into electrons in the photodetector, and these photo-generated electrons are injected into the LED, generating visible light. The device – versions range from millimeter- to nickel-size -- currently uses glass, but it could be made with plastics, which would make it lightweight.

Conventional night vision goggles or scopes weigh 1 to 2 pounds, with price tags ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Sized for cell phones, So said, his imaging devices weigh just a couple of ounces and would be inexpensive to manufacture because factories could use the same equipment used today to make laptop screens or flat-screen televisions.

So said other applications could include night vision technology for car windshields, or even for standard glasses to use at night.

So's research is funded by Nanoholdings LLC, a Connecticut-based diversified nano-energy company that licenses and develops nano-energy discoveries in partnership with universities and their scientists, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. A UF startup company, NirVision, a portfolio company of Nanoholdings, was recently formed to further develop and commercialize the technology for different market segments.

Contacts and sources:
Nanoholdings LLC,
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Franky So
fso@mse.ufl.edu
352-846-3790

University of Florida

[buglerbilly]

Smith Optics Elite On APEL

May 31st, 2010 | Product Announcement | Posted by Stickman

Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) now includes the Smith Optics Elite Division.

Established in 1965, Smith is known for high performance snow and motocross goggles, as well as their lineup of sunglasses. However, what we care about most is the new Outside the Wire (OTW) Ballistic goggle and Aegis eye shield, both of which are listed as exceeding government standards. The OTW and Aegis have interchangeable pieces so those wearing prescriptions aren’t left out.

Smith says they are getting ready to launch a complete tactical line of sunglasses, we are looking forward to seeing how they look and hold up.

More information on the Smith Optics Elite family of products may be found at

www.elite.smithoptics.com

OUTSIDE THE WIRE (OTW)

•Meets US Mil Spec MIL-DTL-43511D, ANSI Z87.1-2003
and CE EN166 standards
•Superior field of vision
•Anatomically optimized design for seamless helmet
integration and face fit
•Tapered Lens Technology for distortion free optics
•Anti-fog and scratch resistant coating on lenses.
•Lenses provide 100% protection from harmful
UVA/UVB/UVC rays
•FRAG face foam--flame resistant anti-microbial goggle foam
•Compatible with Smith Elite Rx system
•All OTW goggles also include a spare Gray lens, No-Fog cloth, anti-reflective sleeve, and protective case

[buglerbilly]

Shhhhhh… ESS is introducing the Crossbow Suppressor (and we’ve already got a review for you.)

October 22nd, 2010 | Photo Recon Review | Posted by Rob Curtis



Finally — a set of eyepro that doesn’t render your over-the-ear hearing protection useless. ESS is about to release a modified version of the Crossbow eyeshield frame called the Suppressor. The Crossbow Suppressor won’t replace the Crossbow, but will be sold alone and along with it in a tactical kit. The difference between the CB and the CBS is the temple arms. The CBS arms are thinner, more flexible, shorter and have a dogleg that makes the arm ride up against your sideburns, resulting in a blessedly small profile to pass under your bang-bang earmuffs.



The thinner arm does two things: It creates a smaller profile that passes through the earcup while remaining supple enough to follow the contour of your head without pressing back on the earcup. Both of these things work to provide a great seal for better hearing protection and comfort on the range and in the field...................edited................

The kit includes two complete sets of eyewear. One Crossbow frame and one Crossbow Suppressor frame, 2 lenses (gray and clear), a retaining strap, a microfiber bag and a semi-hardshell, PALS compatible case. ESS is set to release the kit at AUSA next week with an MSRP $110. The CBS is available alone with a copper lens for $46



Read more: http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2010/10/22/shhhhhh-ess-is-introducing-the-crossbow-suppressor-and-weve-already-got-a-review-for-you/#more-6549

[buglerbilly]

Oakley updates the M-Frame to 3.0

October 28th, 2010 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis



The venerable M-Frame eyeshield is getting it’s third upgrade. The big news is that the arms are slimmed down and softened to work with circumaural hearing protection. The lens sits a little closer to the face to work better with NVGs. They’ve also updated the exterior scratch resistant coating and the fog resistant coating on the inside.



Interestingly, Oakley’s approach to over-the-ear hearing protection compatibility uses full length arms. Since we just reviewed the Suppressor, it’s hard not to make comparisons. Compared to the Crossbow Suppressor arms, the 3.0 are a little wider and thicker.................

Read more plus Video: http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2010/10/28/oakley-updates-the-m-frame-to-3-0/#more-6593

[buglerbilly]

Revision Updates its Sawfly Ballistic Glasses

by christian on November 15, 2010



Revision Eyewear sent me a free sample of their newly redesigned Sawfly ballistic shades for evaluation.

On the face of it, the updated glasses don’t seem very “updated” until you take a closer look and wear them around a bit.

Revision changed the chemistry of the nosepiece, so it’s a lot sticker and stays on the nose better when sweat or other types of moisture coax the glasses to droop off your face.

The company also thinned out the temple to keep it from digging into your head while wearing radio headsets and ear pro. And there’s a new retention system that snaps easily on and off.


Like its predecessor, the new Sawfly Military Eyewear System provides the same superior ballistics, exceeding ANSI Z87.1-2010 and military ballistic impact requirements MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1 and MIL-DTL-43511D, clause 3.5.10; the same flawless optics for distortion-free vision; and the same rugged durability to protect and perform through all the rigors of combat............edited read more at link...................

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz15P3GNkH7

[buglerbilly]

Canadian Air Force Adopts Revision Eyewear

January 27th, 2011

Revision, has been awarded a $2.7 million contract with the Canadian DND to supply Air Force members with Ballistic Eyewear (BEW), also known as the Sawfly Spectacle System. The initial contract is to supply 33,000 kits and 40,000 additional lenses in 2011 with a 5 year option period. Revision first won the BEW contract for Canadian land forces in 2003.

“Revision is proud to provide the Canadian Air Force with their protective eyewear needs,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “Today’s battlefield requires protection from a growing list of threats, from IED shrapnel and flying debris to harmful laser wavelengths. Revision’s Sawfly Ballistic Eyewear is a single system that provides powerful ballistic protection and, at the customer’s request, the ability to protect against laser threats with high-performance, specialty lenses.”



The Clothe The Soldier (CTS) did some great stuff, ten years ago it seems. Lately, Canadians have been referring to the program as Clown The Soldier which has concentrated on such epic improvements as camouflage boots. We have heard through the proverbial grapevine that almost all funding for Army upgrades via CTS have been pulled and that the Air Force and Navy are getting their turn. Since the Army fielded Sawflys several years ago, we think that this is a minor indicator that this may actually be the case.

At any rate, Sawflys rock. They are well made, meeting or exceeding ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. military ballistic impact requirements (MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1 and MIL-DTL-43511D, clause 3.5.10). Additionally, Revision just released their small sizes. Not to be confused with Asian sizing,

Stay tuned, we have been chasing a new product from Revision for some time and finally have a sample to unveil.

www.revisionmilitary.com

[buglerbilly]

Another win for REVISION............via Soldier Systems..............

Brits Adopt Revision Eyepro

February 8th, 2011

Revision has won the UK MoD’s first competition for protective eyewear since 2005. The Combat Protective Eyewear Tender (number DC4/4055) has an estimated contract value of £3.4 million to provide the UK MoD with Revision’s Sawfly® Military Eyewear System and Bullet Ant® Goggles.



“Revision is extremely proud to receive the UK MoD contract for Protective Combat Eyewear,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “The focus behind all Revision eyewear is to meet and exceed the stringent requirements set forth by our military customers. It’s an honor to be supplying UK troops with what we believe to be the best performance-enhancing eye protection products.”

Colonel Peter Rafferty, Team Leader for Defence, Equipment and Support’s Personal Combat Equipment Team added, “All troops currently in Afghanistan are issued with protective eyewear as standard and these new additions are an enhancement over what is already out there. In addition to the ballistic protection these items offer, IED’s are a significant threat to our troops in theatre and the debris and dirt thrown up from a blast can be just as harmful to troops as the initial blast or fragmentation itself. This protective eyewear is the best chance they have of minimizing injuries to the eyes while still maintaining situational awareness and thus the ability to do their jobs.”



The Bullet Ant Goggle System provides ballistic protection against medium-energy fragmentation while protecting against the environment: sand, wind and dust. The goggle system features interchangeable OcuMax® coated lenses for high-performance anti-fog and anti-scratch capabilities and provides flawless optics for unprecedented visual clarity. It also accepts prescriptions.

www.revisioneyewear.com

[buglerbilly]

From Soldier Systems.............

ONR Introduces Fast-Tint Protective Eyewear

February 9th, 2011



Named Fast-Tint Protective Eyewear (FTPE), this new LCD-based technology introduced by the office of Naval Research for the Naval Special Warfare community is designed to dynamically change from dark to clear in half a second according to Stephanie Everett, ONR’s TechSolutions program manager. The technology is based on work designing laser eyeshields for aircrewmen who risk being dazzled or blinded by lasers.

“Currently, warfighters are using a set of interchangeable lenses that require them to stop and manually switch lenses to adjust the goggles to a particular light environment,” Everett said. “But they can’t take the time to stop and remove and replace the lenses.” According to information provided by ONR, the glasses meet the American National Standards Institute’s ballistic impact safety requirements.

The goal is obviously to get the wearer to keep his eyepro on whether inside or outside. However, as was pointed out to me by an industry insider, there’s a big difference between passing ANSI and the MILPRF 31013 milspec ballistic requirement. Thus far, LCDs haven’t been able to do it.

ONR’s TechSolutions department has already delivered the first 30 sets with promises of 100 more. The actual technology comes from Ohio-based AlphaMicron’s e-tint.

The photo came from jamesvaughanphoto.blogspot.com who shot it for AlphaMicron.

Further information on the e-tint technology can be found at www.alphamicron.com.

[buglerbilly]

Revision’s Newest Tactial Eyewear

by Matthew Cox on April 8, 2011



Revision sent Kit Up! a couple of pairs of its newest into-the-fray fashion wear — the Vipertail. After sliding them on and looking in the mirror, all I wanted to say was “I’ll be back.”

They may not be an exact match of the shades Schwarzenegger sported in the original “Terminator,” but they’re kinda big like that. Not that there’s anything wrong with big. Larger lenses means better coverage, right?

But that’s not really the first thing we look for in a pair of ballistic sunglasses. If you want to be the coolest cat in combat — and all of us do — you gotta wear B** A** shades.

Revision designed the Vipertail in a “civilian style” for all-day comfort and protection. Here’s what Revision says you get:

•PREMIUM COMFORT: lightweight with superior fit and retention for all-day performance
•HIGH-IMPACT PROTECTION: exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. military standard MIL-PRF-31013, clause 3.5.1.1
•RUGGED DURABILITY: high-impact frame with reinforced hinges to outlast and outperform
•FLAWLESS OPTICS: lenses precision manufactured for distortion-free vision
•TOUGH-COAT LENSES: prevent scratching in the harshest environments
•100% UV PROTECTION: from harmful UV A-B-C rays

I do like the dull, matte-black finish and the way they lock into place when opened or closed. They seem to fit my extra-large cranium well enough. They’re comfortable, and they provide pretty good sun protection.

I can’t speak for how well they perform in a hostile environment, but they don’t seem to block too much of my peripheral vision.

And the price: $89.99. Really??? At least you get a decent zippered case and microfiber cleaning cloth.

I’m not sure Jack Bauer would wear them, but I don’t think they are any worse-looking than MANY of the tacticool shades I have seen outside the wire. They are a little big though, compared to similarly-styled shades like the ESS CDI.



You be the judge.

(Christian adds….)

…so I will.

I also got a promo pair of the Vipertails from our good friends at Revision and had much the same first impression as Matt. They just look clunky and sort of cut short — like the designers had a time limit to produce the things and the whistle sounded before they could add some refinements. I was really looking forward to a no-joke wear around the the FOB/Town and go-out-on-a-mission pair of shades and from the initial look, the Vipertails just aren’t it.

That is until I put my helmet on while I was wearing them.

See, I like the Sawfly ballistic glasses, but because of the shape of my head and how I wear my ACH, the rim of the helmet always rests on the top bar of the Sawflys. That causes a headache inducing nose pressure that starts to really get irritating after a few hours. But the Vipertails are cut just low enough to give me some room below the helmet rim and keep that leaning off my nose.

So, the jury’s out for me on this…I’m a big fan of streamlining gear so if I can cut the pairs of glasses I’m toting along, I’d like to. Where the Vipertails fall down on style, they make up for it in functionality while kitted up. They might turn into my sole pair of embed glasses yet…

I’ll be doing a week of hardcore training with a Navy unit in early June and I’ll put these things through their paces and post another “field” review then.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/04/revisions-newest-tactial-eyewear.html#ixzz1Iyol1ctZ

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Rudy Project Tactical Eyewear

April 26th, 2011



Rudy Project has updated their website to place all of their Tactical / Ballistic eyewear on one page. Rudy project is very well known in the cycling world for their optically perfect lenses and has been producing tactical models for the Italian military for several years. They are now available here in the US and have become very popular in shooting sports.

www.rudyprojectusa.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

Vuzix Develops Holographic Glasses

April 26th, 2011

Under various programs Vuzix has long been working on the next generation of holographic goggles and glasses. Based on their patented Blade Optical system, the Vuzix Tactical Display Group will develop “Next Generation Display Technology” for the Joint Terminal Attack Contoller’s Battlefield Air Operations Kit under DARPA’s Persistent Close Air Support (PCAS) program. The holographic displays will join other enabling technologies; manned/unmanned airborne platforms, next generation graphical user interfaces, data links, digital guidance and control, and advanced targeting and visualization tools working together as a “system of systems” to digitally task a CAS platform from the ground as well as reduce collateral damage and potential fratricide to friendly forces.



Development of these devices is essential for the next leap of Soldier digitization to take place. Currently, Soldiers rely on a monocle view screen that, due to its close proximity to the eye looks larger than its true size. However, even the smallest screen blocks a portion of the Soldier’s vision and while he is looking at the screen it may mask a threat from his line of sight. This is what makes holographic eyewear so desirable. The Soldier continues to have an unobstructed, full field of view of the battle space but can augment his vision and reality perception by overlaying various types of data onto the scene. For example, an icon could float over the objective and point out enemy emplacements based on a feed from a drone overhead.

Vuzix already has a great deal of experience in Augmented Reality. We look forward to seeing additional functionality built in to similar systems.

To learn more visit www.vuzix.com.

[buglerbilly]

Multicam-ish Revision Desert Locust now on APEL

May 31st, 2011 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis



Revision just let us know that the Tan 499 Desert Locust Goggle Kit just hit the APEL. The new color configuration is designed to better integrate with the U.S. MultiCam uniforms currently in service in Afghanistan. The new kit features a Tan 499 frame and strap with MultiCam sleeve and carrying case. The Tan 499 Desert Locust Goggle U.S. Military Kit retails for $99.99 MSRP. More info may be available on Revision’s website.

http://www.revisioneyewear.com/news.html

[buglerbilly]

Canada Land Forces choose Revision for eye protection

May 31, 2011

Revision, a leading developer and manufacturer of ballistic protective eyewear for defence agencies and armed forces worldwide has secured a contract with the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) to supply its Land Forces with the Desert Locust and Bullet Ant Goggle Systems. The initial contract is to supply 50,000 Desert Locust kits, 10,000 Bullet Ant kits and 50,000 additional lenses in 2011, with a five year option period. This follows Revision's contract to supply protective eyewear to the Ministry of Defence for British troops in Afghanistan.

The contract also includes an option for specialty lenses such as laser and high-contrast capability. Revision's Desert Locust and Bullet Ant Goggles were selected for their superior performance, excellent ballistic and optical properties, and their environmental and chemical testing performance.

This is Revision's second major contract with the DND this year; in January, the company was awarded the Air Force Ballistic Eyewear (BEW) contract for 33,000 eyewear kits and 40,000 additional lenses.

'Revision is proud to receive the Canadian Army Goggle contract,' said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. 'Today's soldier must be ready for any number of threats, including laser. That's why we're pleased to supply Canadian Land Forces with the best defence against ballistic impact, the elements as well as laser radiation.'

Revision's Desert Locust Goggle combines the best ballistic protection and widest field-of-view with optimal fit, making this the ultimate goggle for extended use. The Bullet Ant Goggle System provides powerful ballistic protection in a compact, versatile form. Its low-profile design is highly compatible with operator equipment including Night Vision Goggles.

Both products provide superior ballistic protection, exceeding stringent Canadian performance specifications, ANSI Z87.1-2010 and US military ballistic impact requirements (MIL-DTL-43511D, clause 3.5.10).

Revision develops and delivers purpose-built protective soldier equipment for use by military and security services. The company, which began with eyewear, has expanded to face and head protection and continues to develop its capabilities for integrated, performance-enhancing soldier systems. Revision brings the most advanced expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and finest technical minds. Clients include the US Department of Defense, the Canadian Department of National Defence, the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organization, the Swiss Federal Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence.

Source: Revision

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Revision Releases ExoShield

June 14th, 2011



Revision has just released the ExoShield goggle to the general public. Previously in limited release to specialized customers, the ExoShield was developed initially to satisfy a requirement for a skydiving goggle. However, the low-cost design proved so effective it quickly began to be used for other applications.

“The Revision Exoshield is an ultra compact hybrid solution designed by special operators for special operations,” explains Dan Packard, Sr. VP of Military Sales for Revision. “This end-user driven product, the Exoshield, provides unequivocal night vision gear compatibility, ballistic protection and environmental shielding for use in high-speed, dynamic operations.”

I have had a pair for a couple of months and they are fantastic. The design protects the eyes and keeps out dust due to the comfort foam which actually lives up to its name. Additionally, I have not noted any fogging but admittedly have not used them under particularly strenuous or high humidity conditions. The headstrap is a two piece design that Velcroes together and can be used with a variety of helmets. For Pro-Tec and Gentex Parachutist helmets the ExoShield is to be worn beneath the helmet with the straps extending out the back through the slits and attached on the outside.

If I would ask for one change at this point it would be to change the headstrap to a Foliage Green or Tan color. However, since the ExoShield was originally envisioned as eyepro for airborne operations I understand why it is currently Black.

Revision provided this quote form an unnamed PJ that echoes my sentiment, “The eyewear is great, keeps out the dust (even under freefall) and is comfortable even for extended periods. I think this is ‘the product’ for the guys that need a multipurpose goggle.” While he doesn’t mention it, they are extremely low profile and can be worn with NODs. The lenses meet or exceed military ballistic certification standards.

The Exoshield Extreme Low-Profile Eyewear Kit consists of a goggle with comfort foam in either clear or solar (as in dark) lens versions, Black headstrap, microfiber cleaning cloth, and storage case. It retails for $49.99 MSRP.

www.revisioneyewear.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Liquid HELLFIRE

August 5th, 2011



Liquid’s HELLFIRE ballistic eyewear uses photo chromic lenses that transition from 84% clear at night to 17% dark during the day and these lenses meet and exceed ANSI-Z87.1-2010 for impact resistance and optical clarity.



The frames are made from aircraft aluminum and use a hingeless design that insures proper fit for any face even while wearing a helmet and hearing protection. This same frame can be custom formed by the wearer to fit almost any head size and will outlast glasses that use traditional hinges. Liquid can also produce these for prescriptions as well as UV or polarized lenses for both the Gasket and Player commercial line of sunglasses in non tactical colors. All of Liquid’s aluminum products are made in the USA and come with a 1 year manufactures warranty.



www.liquidpolarized.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Tactical Fanboys blog............

Cocoons Eyewear

August 8th, 2011



If you’re like me, you wear prescription eyewear, and while vision lenses are fairly inexpensive a good pair of prescription sunglasses might not be. That’s why I own a pair of Cocoons. Cocoons Eyewear is a company that specializes in a variety of OverRx® optics, from sunglasses to clip-ons. Besides being more affordable than a pair of dedicated prescription sunglasses, they also offer an extra layer of eye protection, making them useful in training with firearms. Each pair of Cocoons sunglasses also comes with a case and ‘Ultra Soft DuraCloth’.

http://www.cocoonseyewear.com/

[buglerbilly]

Revision Wins German Military Contract

by Christian on August 17, 2011



If you’re seeing troops from the Bundeswehr in Afghanistan sporting some sick shades, they’re probably going to be made by Revision.

That’s because the Vermont-based ballistic eyewear company just announced they’ve won a contract with the German armed forces to be an exclusive supplier of ballistic glasses for that country’s army, navy and air force.


In pursuit of this business Revision developed a Germany-specific version of their flagship product, the Sawfly Military Eyewear System. For it, a new lens shape was designed and two specialty lens tints were developed: one for specific-wavelength laser eye protection and the second for high altitude mountain operations. The 256,000 standard issue kits, available in three sizes – small, medium and large, will include clear, solar and vermillion lenses.

It’s a big win for the US company and demonstrates their growing share of the now international tactical eyewear market.



(and we’re diggin’ the case in Flecktarn)

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1VKt6ASGx
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

New ballistic eyewear for the war zone

Posted by Military Times Online | September 26th, 2011 | Modern Day Marine



After years of complaints, Marines will soon have a new set of shades to wear downrange.

The Corps will begin fielding ESS Crossbow ballistic glasses late this year, with plans to purchase more than 200,000 pairs — enough for every Marine.

Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico, Va., began the search for new eye protection in late 2010 after Marines surveyed in Afghanistan expressed “widespread dissatisfaction” with the current ballistic eyewear, the ICE Eye Shield, according to MARCORSYSCOM.

Marines said ICE Eye Shields weren’t durable, were prone to fogging and scratches, and fit poorly. Regulations state Marines must wear standard-issue glasses, but surveys showed as many as 80 percent of Marines wore eyewear they purchased themselves.

As a result, MARCORSYSCOM launched the Improve Ballistic Eyewear program to find a replacement. The Crossbow, which can protect against a 12-guage shotgun blast fired at 10 meters, officials say, was deemed best among three glasses tested.

Marines slated for deployments will be the first to receive the glasses in late 2011, but all Marines should have their new eye protection by the end of 2012, according to MARCORSYSCOM officials.

The package will include a single frame, a clear lens, a smoke lens for sun protection, a head strap and a hard carrying case that can be attached to tactical vests and anything else with webbing. The glasses also can accommodate prescription lenses.

Marines will be issued black frames, but MARCORSYSCOM officials have said coyote-brown frames could be ordered if requested by enough Marines.

For testing, the Corps selected three commercially available sets of glasses and goggles — a total of six pieces of eye protection — and issued them to two units for month-long trials in April.

Marines with 2nd Tank Battalion training at Twentynine Palms, Calif., and 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, training at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., put the eyewear through their paces during field exercises.

Both units selected the Crossbow by ESS as their preferred eyewear. All the tested goggles rated equally, including the already issued Profile Night Vision Goggle by ESS.

Testing led the Corps to adopt the Crossbow glasses and continue use of the PNVG.

Smith Optics’ Aegis glasses and Outside the Wire goggles and Revision’s Sawfly glasses and Desert Locust goggles also were tested.

The Crossbow should be a significant step forward from its predecessor. In 2007, after ICE was developed but before the Crossbow, Oakley bought ESS.

With the purchase, ESS has experienced significant improvements with its product line, said Shannon Day, project officer for IBE under Program Manager Infantry Combat Equipment at MARCORSYSCOM.

“The ESS Crossbow has the quality, comfort and optical clarity of Oakley with the durability and price point of ESS,” Day said.

A Crossbow kit with two lenses and accessories retails for about $100. Similar Oakley sets can cost almost $200.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

AUSA – Oakley

October 10th, 2011

Oakley is introducing the M-frame 3.0 which features ultra low profile temples to accommodate hearing protection and improved low profile nose piece as well as an enhanced coating for anti-fog and increased scratch resistance.



Additionally, they have a new Ballistic 2.0 goggle which offers increased lower and side peripheral vision and facilitates a reduced stand off for night vision systems. The straps are also easily removed thanks to a new fastener. The lens features the same new coatings as the M-frame 3.0 along with increased venting to help mitigate fogging.

Look for these new styles in December.

www.usstandardissue.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Liquid Introduces ‘Brimstone’ Low IR Signature Eye Protection

December 28th, 2011



As signature management becomes more and more important, even the smallest of details need to be tended to. Liquid Icon, Inc realizes this and has developed a low infrared coating for protective eyewear that reduces IR signature under thermographic imaging. Liquid’s IR “Brimstone” Coating is an IR absorbing material equivalent to the resistive coating applied to military vehicles. It reduces IR reflection under illumination and is exclusively available on Liquid’s low profile Hellfire glasses/goggle model. The all encompassing Hellfire is ANSI Z87.1 – 2010 certified and utilizes a rapid transitioning photochromic ballistic lens installed into a 6061 billet alloy frame.

www.liquideyepro.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

New Eyepro from Smith Optics

January 6th, 2012

At SHOT Show 2012 Smith Optics Elite Division is officially unveiling a couple of new eyeshields in a line called Aegis which denotes the lens type. The Aegis Arc and Aegis Arc Compact share similar geometries but the Compact model is naturally a little smaller to accommodate smaller faces. One of the most exciting things about the Aegis line is the innovative PivLock Lens Interchange Technology that allows for fast lens exchange.



Additionally, the Aegis Echo is designed specifically for those wearing helmet and headset combinations. It features ultrathin moldable temples that hug close to the head but don’t make it feel like you’re being squeezed in a vice.



One major announcement is the frames are MultiCam. It seems odd, but Smith is the first company to offer production eyepro with MutliCam frames. This isn’t just about looks. While they’re going to do a better job of blending in to the wearer’s overall ensemble, Smith Optics delivers performance as well. They combine Tapered Lens Technology to make sure what you see is optically correct with full UV protection in addition to meeting US Standard MIL-PRF-31013, ANSI Z87.1-2003 and EN 166 standards.

Additionally, the Aegis Eyeshield is exclusive to Tactical Assault Gear at SHOT Show.

Smith Optics Elite Division will be in booth #7310 at SHOT Show.

https://elite.smithoptics.com/products/#/

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Liquid Eyewear T Flex

January 8th, 2012


Liquid’s new T Flex sunglasses double as goggles. Relying on a patent pending rubber hinge, you can open and close the temples as many times as you like and has been tested at ranges from 60 below zero and 275 F. Additionally, the T Flex can easily be converted to a goggle by clicking off the hinges and clicking on a goggle strap.



Uploaded by LiquidPolarized on Dec 30, 2011

Introducing the all new T Flex sunglasses that double as goggles. T Flex uses a patent pending rubber hinge design that allows you to open and close the temples as many times as you like. The rubber living hinge is unlikely to ever break and has been tested at 60 below zero and 275 F. T Flex rubber hinge flexes to fit almost any face and stay snug for the life of the product. T Flex can easily be converted to a goggle by clicking off the hinges and clicking on the goggle strap (Sold Separately). Visit www.LiquidEyePro.com for more info

See the new T Flex in Liquid’s booth #6608 at SHOT Show or visit www.liquidpolarized.com.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Revision Introduces Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear System

January 11th, 2012



Revision is introducing the Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear System. It features the ballistic photochromic Sawfly lens automatically darkens to a sunglass tint when exposed to sunlight and returns to its clear state in the absence of UV rays, providing a tactical edge in rapidly changing environments.

“Revision’s photochromic lens technology not only eliminates the need to switch lenses when transitioning between the indoors and outside, but also automatically adjusts to compensate for varying outdoor light levels allowing the end user to focus on his mission, not his eyepro,” commented Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. Revision’s Photochromic Sawfly lens takes only 60 seconds to change from its darkest state to almost clear, while most competitors’ lenses take more than twice as long to do the same. From the clear state to a light-grey lens tint capable of blocking sun glare, it takes only 20 seconds. “For military and tactical operators, faster photochromic lens change means enhanced visual performance when it’s most needed – in dynamic environments.”

Revision eyewear exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2010 and U.S. military ballistic impact requirements for spectacles (MIL-PRF-31013 clause 3.5.1.1) while providing flawless optics and 100% UV protection. Look for them in March 2012.

They will be in SHOT Show booth #26011.

www.revisionmilitary.com