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American Optical Pilot Sunglasses
01 / 07
American Optical Pilot Sunglasses
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14 requests
Product Description
The Original Pilot sunglasses from American Optical exude decades of history, proven performance, and pure coolness. The aviator-style frame has its origin in the ‘50s, where it was modeled after the FG-58 goggles worn by American pilots across the military Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downrtfd262
2
Aug 26, 2024
AO made the HGU-4/P (these aviators) first as well as all of the predecessor designs, and worked with the military to develop MIL-S-25948 (the spec that defines these). Because these are technically a “build to spec” item for the DoD, anyone can manufacture them and compete for production contracts, provided they can actually meet or exceed the spec. It just so happens the RE won the contract back in 1978 and kept winning it up until the most recent contract award (2019?). And WRT the question about polarization, per the spec, these should NOT be polarized as it can interfere with instrument legibility and polarized lens are variants meant for the commercial market.
P.S. This model from AO is what they gave to the Apollo (and other) astronauts.
(Edited)
enero
606
Aug 21, 2024
AO Optical has been making glasses since the early 1800s These particular style aviator glasses that they make have been used by the military since the Second World War.
Hewbacca
62
Aug 21, 2024
eneroSounds suspiciously similar to Randolph Engineering's story...which I've heard of before this, a lot. These glasses are identical in appearance. Something is afoot.
enero
606
Aug 21, 2024
HewbaccaI don't know if something is afoot, it just is what it is. Companies always rip each other off. I knew a couple of old vets that used AO. That's how I discovered them, and if I remember correctly the production of both Topgun movies used AO as well. Whatever the case, these are great sunglasses. I have had a pair that I have used regularly for over 20 years.
TaylerS
279
Buyer
Aug 20, 2024
The frame material is metal. The specs have been updated to reflect this- thanks for the call-out!
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