The US Air Force has begun taking delivery of laser eye protection spectacles, intended as a short-term solution to laser attacks against aircrews.
Pilkington Optronics, a subsidiary of Thomson-CSF, is to deliver 7,145 pairs of Clear Laser Eye Protection for Infrared (CLEPIR) spectacles, which use dielectric films stacked in alternating quarter wavelength layers. These weaken invisible "out of band" infrared- and ultraviolet-frequency light. The coating is applied to polycarbonate, which allows the spectacles to be lightweight and provide ballistic protection.
The $2.4 million eye protection contract was awarded to Pilkington last April for quick-turnaround following USAF chief of staff Gen Michael Ryan's call for increased protection after laser incidents.
In April 1997, a US Navy intelligence officer and a Canadian Forces pilot suffered eye injuries caused by an apparent laser beam from a suspected Russian spy ship off the US west coast. And in October 1998, US Army helicopter pilots reported being targeted by a ground-based laser as they flew over Zenica, Bosnia.
Contracts have also been awarded for programme development and risk reduction of longer-term solutions. But incremental acquisition was favoured to "push the technology" forward because of the increasing laser threat, says Capt Lionel Ramos, CLEPIR programme manager at the 311th Human Systems Program Office, Brooks AFB, Texas.
The USAF's Special Operations Command was among the first to receive CLEPIR. Deliveries to are due for completion by September 2001.
Source: Flight International
