Air Force to Upgrade Pilot Eyewear with Laser, Ballistic Protection

The devices, developed in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, will also include night eyewear that allow more natural light.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, November 20, 2023 at 04:56 PM ET

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A B-52 Stratofortress aircrew member participates in a laser eye protection test. Eyewear devices include separate day and night spectacles, ballistics spectacles, and visors designed to integrate with night vision goggles. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force is deploying upgraded "Block 3 Family" eyewear to pilots to protect against a surge in dangerous laser strike incidents.
The new eyewear includes enhanced night visibility and, for the first time, combined laser and ballistic protection, with over 42,000 units to be distributed by 2027.
These critical upgrades aim to prevent injuries and career-threatening incidents for pilots, though U-2 and F-35 Lightning II pilots will not receive the devices.

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U.S. Air Force pilots will soon receive upgraded eyewear that includes protection against laser strikes, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center announced.

The eyewear consists of eight devices, known as the “Block 3 Family,” and also includes separate day and night spectacles, ballistics spectacles, and visors designed to integrate with night vision goggles. The upgrades include night eyewear that increases visibility through lenses that allow more natural light, and a first offering of a combined laser and ballistic protection option, the service said.