The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, has awarded Teledyne Scientific & Imaging LLC, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., a $30.1 million fixed-price contract to supply Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) spectacles that provide enhanced protection against threat lasers and other hazards while minimizing visual acuity. The ALEP spectacles will prevent permanent eye damage and temporary visual effects, such as flash blindness from laser weapons or other laser devices, the July 20 contract award said. The quantity of spectacles covered by the contract was not provided.
A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East are flying with fresh modifications as the Air Force looks to make the plane more versatile amid America’s ongoing blockade of Iranian ports and a tenuous ceasefire in the U.S. air war against Iran.