Gentex’s Ops-Core has added a new photochromatic lens option to their Step-In Visor for their helmets.
Integrated with the helmet, the Step-In Visor sits close to the eye so they can still be worn even when using NODs. Below you can see how the lens darkens when exposed to bright light.
Essex Junction, Vermont (January 15, 2022) – Revision Military, the world leader in ballistic and laser protective eyewear systems, announces a new laser eye protection solution optimized for aviator protection and awareness. Developed with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Revision’s CALI-C lens formulation offers eye protection that protects against common handheld laser hazards while performing in a cockpit environment.
Above: CALI-C is being offered in two configurations tailored for either fixed-wing or rotary-wing environments: The Aviator SF-2 frame (left) offers a lightweight metal frame with dual lenses – low profile and ideal for a fixed-wing cockpit. The StingerHawk® frame (right) offers a single wrap-around lens for maximum coverage, ballistic protection, and anti-fog performance for rotary-wing cockpits.
“Each year the FAA reports a higher rate of laser strikes against aircraft, putting aviators at risk,” said Revision CEO Amy Coyne. “Over the past decade, Revision has been partnered with AFRL on laser eye protection solutions for the military. This CALI-C formulation represents a real solution that gives aviators peace of mind while operating in low-altitude operations, keeping them safe and reducing the impact of laser hazards on their mission.”
The CALI (Commercial Aviation Low Intensity) solution was developed by AFRL in collaboration with Revision Military and successfully tested and evaluated by Washington State Patrol pilots. The Personnel Protection Team at AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is headed by Dr. Matthew Lange, who says “Simply put, the lenses maximize protection while minimizing the impact to the cockpit.”
Above: Flight Officer Cameron Iverson of the Washington State Patrol tested CALI laser protective lenses formulated at Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. (AFRL courtesy photo)
The ideal cockpit laser eye protection solution offers the following: a wide range of protection given the variety of laser hazards; lenses that don’t interfere with the cockpit instrument panel yet transmit enough light to be worn at night when most laser incidents occur; and are easy to don and doff featuring frames that integrate with cockpit head borne equipment (headsets, helmets, etc). Therefore, a set of laser protective eyewear designed for a ground-to-ground laser hazard isn’t ideal for the cockpit. The CALI-C solution was developed to maximize aviator protection and situational awareness – solving the challenges of laser eye protection in a cockpit environment.
Revision research scientists look to design formulations that consider the specific end-user environment and needs. Both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft have the benefit of altitude, which means a reduction in the rate of eye damage, but a heightened threat of distraction, disorientation, and flash blindness as laser light can fill a cockpit with bright light in an instant. The CALI-C formulation takes this into account by offering a wide band of protection without compromising light transmission – a critical point given most aviation laser incidents happen at night.
CALI-C is being offered in two configurations tailored for either fixed-wing or rotary-wing environments: The Aviator SF-2 frame offers a lightweight metal frame with dual lenses – low profile and ideal for a fixed-wing cockpit. The StingerHawk® frame offers a single wrap-around lens for maximum coverage, ballistic protection, and anti-fog performance for rotary-wing cockpits. Both configurations of the CALI-C formulation are restricted for sale to aviation end users only. Please contact sales@revisionmilitary.com for more information. Additional background information about the laser hazards for aviation, and the development of the CALI-C product can be found here.
Essex Junction, Vermont (December 17, 2021) – Revision Military, world leader in ballistic and laser protective eyewear systems, announces improved fit and performance for SnowHawk Cold Weather Goggle and Balaclava systems. Improvements include migrating from a single size balaclava to two sizes – better accommodating a wide range of end users while ensuring secure and comfortable fit – and also expanding the available balaclava line to include additional U.S. Berry compliant and Aclima® wool options.
“SnowHawk continues to be a unique product in the military and tactical market, and we’re excited to evolve the product line and it’s performance,” said Revision CEO Amy Coyne. “Revision recognizes the growing need for cold weather equipment designed not only to protect in extreme climates and conditions, but also optimize the performance of end-users. Revision is continuing to expand our capabilities for protective eyewear systems thoughtfully tailored to specific environments.”
Cold climate operations have become an essential tactical focus for militaries around the world, with many dedicating more resources and training to maneuvers in the Arctic and other cold weather regions. This shift has generated a growing demand for gear that can withstand harsh conditions and function in extreme environments. Extensive time, attention, and resources were dedicated to ensuring the breathability of this cold weather system: Mesh over the mouth and nose directs breath away from the goggle; the dual-pane thermal gasket lens creates an insulated barrier; built-in top and lateral forced-air vents provide constant airflow; and, Revision’s leading OcuMax© Plus coating is applied on the inside of the lens to prevent fogging, plus a hard-coat is applied to the outside of the lens to resist scratching. The SnowHawk system’s balaclava features Anon’s Magnetic Facemask Integration (MFI®) technology to seamlessly integrate the goggle and balaclava, ensuring stabilization and seal, with no skin exposed. The system achieves total face and head coverage, but is also intuitively designed for ease of use and swift removal when necessary.
Revision developed this goggle system in collaboration with Anon Optics, a leader in goggle design for snow sports and a brand owned by Burton Snowboards, one of the world’s premier snowsports companies. The SnowHawk Cold Weather System is the first-ever fully integrated ballistic goggle and balaclava system offering complete face coverage, superior anti-fog performance, and ballistic protection.
Select SnowHawk google kits are on the U.S. Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL), and multiple goggle and balaclava combinations have National Stock Numbers (NSNs). Visit revisionmilitary.com for more information.
Bollé Safety, the world-renowned leading manufacturer of safety glasses and goggles, has announced the rebranding of its Bollé Tactical division to become Bollé Safety Standard Issue. The new Bollé Safety Standard Issue features a range of products designed to offer unparalleled eye protection for tactical professions including law enforcement, first responders, firefighters, EMS, military and special forces, as well as shooting enthusiasts and hunters. The division’s mission is focused on the development of ballistic and protective eyewear while concentrating on improved comfort, style, and safety, giving tactical customers the competitive advantage they need to do their job in the safest way possible.
As part of the launch of this new brand, Bollé Safety Standard Issue has worked with Jade Struck, the competitive shooter, firearms instructor, model and actress, to create a pair of custom tactical glasses called The SENTINEL STRUCK. “As a firearms instructor, safety is my top priority, so I believe that all gear plays an important role, but I believe that eye protection is the most important,” said Struck. “A great pair of safety glasses shouldn’t just protect your eyes, but should also help you perform to the best of your abilities, so that’s what I’m hoping we’re bringing to the table with the SENTINEL STRUCK.” Certified to MIL-PRF-32432 A and ANSI Z87.1 safety standards to ensure maximum protection, these ballistic sunglasses are specifically tailored for the active woman who partakes in shooting, and other outdoor activities.
Like the SENTINEL STUCK sunglasses, each Bollé Safety Standard Issue product is a tailor-made solution that answers the specific needs of its wearers. The entire range of protective eyeglasses are crafted to be compliant with all major international safety standards worldwide.
“Our mission is to provide the best eye protection to those who need it and the people who protect us, beyond just the military field, so renaming the Bollé Tactical Division was evident,” explained Rubina Meunier, Vice President of Brand from Bollé Safety. “Bollé Safety Standard Issue is a more comprehensive name, with the ‘Standard Issue’ phrasing resonating globally and the new logo being catchy, bold, and a bit mysterious.”
Gatorz Eyewear is excited to announce the Gatorz x Ronin Collection. The Gatorz x Ronin Collection is a collaboration between Gatorz Eyewear and former U.S. Army Green Beret Tu Lam of Ronin Tactics. This collection is made to the exceedingly high standards that all Gatorz Eyewear has come to represent to the Special Operations community, including meeting American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87+ rating and offering some features of MILSPEC Ballistic protection standards.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Lao Tzu
Tu Lam. a former U.S. Army Green Beret and founder of Ronin Tactics, fled communist Vietnam in 1979. The Lam Family escaped on an overloaded boat and eventually reached the safety of the United States as refugees.
Tu was raised by his Step-Father, an Army Special Forces veteran, and drew inspiration to eventually serve as a member of the Army Special Operations Community. For over 23 years, Tu traveled across 27 different countries and a number of war zones as a career special operator. During that time, he fought alongside and within the most elite units of the United States Military.
As the Founder and CEO of Ronin Tactics, Inc., Tu now develops innovative tactical equipment and teaches a range of Close Quarters Battle instruction for our military, Law Enforcement, and responsible armed citizens. Tu co-hosted three seasons of the History Channel’s “Knife or Death” and was developed into a playable character “Ronin” on the popular video game “Call of Duty.” Gatorz Eyewear is honored to be working with him.
Sam Havelock, The Chief Brand Officer of Gatorz eyewear and himself a former Navy SEAL, had this to say,
“We thought the collaboration with Tu Lam, whose background includes having to flee persecution from war-torn Vietnam especially fitting given the current state of affairs in Afghanistan. Gatorz Corporation is extremely committed to the Special Operations Community and closely identifies with the Mission of the Army Special Forces Community to Free The Oppressed (De Oppresso Liber).”
The Ronin Edition collaboration with Tu Lam is an example of our willingness to partner with diverse members of our Gatorz Tribe who live a Mission-Driven life. Tu Lam’s personal history of service with the Special Operations Community coupled with his family’s legacy of relationships across Army Special Forces perfectly embodies our joint belief in the power of relationships and humans to overcome all obstacles during their Life’s Most Important Missions.”
Gatorz x Ronin Specs
• Inferno (Photochromic) lenses
• Most Popular Magnum Frame Style
• Black or Red Cerakote frame
• ANSI Z87+/MILSPEC Ballistic (Mil-prf- 32432-a)
What comes in the package?
• Field Accessory Kit Nylon Case
• Lens Cleaner
• Eyewear strap
• Gasket Set Kit
• Repair kit
• A Hand-Signed Print
For additional information on GATORZ or the Gatorz x Ronin Collection, please visit www.gatorz.com, facebook.com/GatorzEyewear, or follow @gatorzeyewear on Instagram and YouTube.
For additional information on Tu Lam or Ronin Tactics, please visit www.ronintactics.com, connect via @ronintctaics on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to Tu Lam’s YouTube Channel.
Team Wendy is working with ESS/Oakley to introduce a laser protective version of their visor. Available soon.
Essex Junction, Vermont (September 30, 2021) – Revision Military has been awarded a contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to supply Universal Prescription Lens Carriers (UPLC) over the next five years. The contract, issued by DLA Troop Support, has an estimated value of up to $37.5 million, began on September 17, 2021 and is for one three-year base period and two one-year option periods. Revision has been the incumbent supplier of the UPLC to DLA since 2013, when the U.S. Army moved to a single prescription carrier solution for all Rx-capable eyewear on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL). The customizable UPLC allows for an individual prescription to be filled into the carrier by an optometrist, and the carrier fits securely behind the standard lens of their ballistic eyewear.
Above: Revision Prescription Carrier Solution – Universal Prescription Lens Carrier (UPLC) – provides an easy solution for vision correction in ballistic military eyewear platforms on the U.S. Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL). Revision was selected for a follow-on 5-year contract to deliver UPLC to Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
“Over the past 8 years, Revision has delivered thousands of UPLCs to DLA which have been issued widely across the U.S. military branches,” said Revision CEO Amy Coyne. “Revision recognizes the unique challenges for an end-user that requires vision correction and provides a universal vision correction solution that can be used across multiple styles and brands of protective eyewear without compromising end user protection.”
Above: Revision UPLC easily integrates into StingerHawk® Spectacles by clipping into the nosepiece. The UPLC securely offers vision correction while meeting all military ballistic standards.
Above: Revision UPLC is designed to offer vision correction in most of Revision spectacles and goggle systems, as well as most eyewear solutions on the U.S. Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL).
Revision’s Prescription Rx Carrier accommodates single vision prescriptions up to +/-11 and fits into the Revision Sawfly® and StingerHawk® Spectacles, and Desert Locust®, SnowHawk®, and Bullet Ant® Goggles. Its secure press-fit design ensures that it is properly positioned every time and its rugged and ergonomically designed frame provides wide field-of-view and durability. Revision’s Prescription Rx Carrier meets ANSI Z87.1-2010 and MIL-PRF-32432A ballistic impact requirements and is on the U.S. Army Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL).
Revision Military has been partnered with Airboss Defense Group (ADG) to manufacture the clear inserts and multiple outsert tints for the ADG Low Burden Mask (LBM) for the past several years.
ADG LBM with Revision LazrBloc FT-AB and GI-AB laser protective visors on display at Revision’s DSEi booth.
In response to global events, Revision adapted several of their proprietary LazrBloc® formulations to LBM outserts – allowing users to quickly don laser protection while wearing their LBM. LazrBloc visors encompass a suite of unique laser protective lenses, specially developed for precise laser eye defense against a variety of light energy wavelengths, including harmful and invisible near-infrared energy.
The LBM laser visors are available in two sizes – Medium/Large and Large/Extra Large, and in two LazrBloc Formulations – FT-AB and GI-AB.
Product will be available soon – contact sales@revisionmilitary.com to inquire.
