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AMERICAN OPTICAL CALOBAR

The engraved "1/10 12K GF" has strangely been cancelled.
The code means that 1/10 of the total weight of the item (eyeglass frames minus lenses, of course) is 12K gold (plated).

AMERICAN OPTICAL CALOBAR

Interestingly, the lenses includes straight top segments fused bifocal sectors, suggesting a long pilot career or possibly some "desk flying" use of the sunglasses.

AMERICAN OPTICAL CALOBAR

A pair of American optical (AN6531) “Calobar” pilot sunglasses.

AMERICAN OPTICAL AN6531/ G-2

AMERICAN OPTICAL AN6531/ G-2

As all Swiss Air Force American Optical and Optiswiss sunglasses, this pair is fitted with brown “Cosmetan” brown tinted lenses and "comfort cable" sidepieces.
As per an USAF Aero Medical Research Laboratory evaluation, Cosmetan were reported (Watson and Greenberg, 1962) to have been the most useful lens evaluated as a visual aid in the Arctic conditions. A very useful feature while flying in the snow-capped Swiss mountains.

AMERICAN OPTICAL AN6531/ G-2

Looks that the classic "teardrop" shape of the lenses evolved in order to allow pilots to glance down at their instrument panels without having the obstruction of the tradition-rounded frames impeding their view.

AO OPTISWISS PILOTSUNGLASS

F-343 have stronger and heavier frames and bridge compared to the “original” models.

AO OPTISWISS PILOTSUNGLASS

Standard "comfort cable" type, in use by the Swiss AF well into the 1990's. Inspired by USAAF G-2 sunglasses, produced under licence by AO Optiswiss Company.

RANDOLPH HGU-4/P

Designed to be compatible with any US oxygen mask and helmet type, the sunglasses conforms to easy donning and removing while wearing headgear because of the straight temple. The straight temple also relieves the pressure behind the ears.

RANDOLPH HGU-4/P

The HGU-4/P suglasses were adopted because they worked much better with newer helmet designs. Those helmets required a sleeker sunglasses design that could fit under the new anti-windblast visors and oxygen masks. Replacing the G-2 models,The HGU-4/P are metal frame sunglasses with plastic tipped temples.

RANDOLPH HGU-4/P

RANDOLPH HGU-4/P

The HGU-4/P sunglasses replaced the F-343 by begin of the ’90, with the withdrawal of the H-5 helmet from flight operations.