MIL-PRF-32432_MCEP_Specification.pdf

Unclassified/FOUO

INCH-POUND

MIL-PRF-32432A (GL)

DRAFT 28 March 2017

SUPERSEDING

MIL-PRF-32432(GL)

9 January 2013

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION

MILITARY COMBAT EYE PROTECTION (MCEP) SYSTEM

Introduction

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense. The purpose of this publication is to recommend optimal design and material factors for consideration in the development of Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP). MCEP provides protection from dust, flying debris, and ballistic hazards both in training and on the battlefield. This publication will highlight those state-of-the-art features that should serve as the existing standard model in the development of MCEP products. In general, MCEP should provide the maximum possible field of view and be lightweight, comfortable, and compatible with existing Soldier equipment while providing protection to Soldiers in an aesthetically acceptable form, fit, and functional eyewear system.

1. Scope

1.1. General. This specification covers the MCEP system. This document covers MCEP systems that are both compatible and non-compatible with prescription eyewear issued to Soldiers.

1.2. Classification. MCEP will be designated into three classes of eyeprotection.

Class 1 Spectacle

Class 2 Goggles

Class 3 Hybrid Goggle Design

1.3. Sub-Classes. If the eyewear meets the sub-class requirements, the associated designators will be appended to the eyewear class.

U- UPLC Compatible

T- Transition

C- Cold Weather

Example: if a set of Class 2 Goggles meets requirements for UPLC Compatibility and Cold Weather, they would be Class 2UC.

2. Applicable Documents

2.1.1. General. The documents listed in this section are specified in Sections 3, 4 or 5 of this specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this specification or recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has been made to ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all specified requirements of documents cited in Sections 3, 4 or 5 of this specification whether or not they are listed.

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to: Attn:

DLA Troop Support Standardization Team, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111- 5096. Since contact information can change, you may want to verify the currency of the address information using Acquisition Streamlining and Standardization Information System (ASSIST) online database at https://assist.dla.mil.

AMSC N/A FSC 4240

2.2. Government documents.

2.2.1. Specifications. standards, and handbooks. The following specifications, standards, and handbooks form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

FEDERAL STANDARDS

FED-STD-595C: Colors Used in Government Procurement

Black 357 – see color chip 27041 Tan 499 – see color chip 20180 Foliage Green 504 – see color chip 24165

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-DTL-83133: Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Kerosene Type, JP-8 MIL-PRF-6083: Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base for Preservation and Operation MIL-PRF-46170: Hydraulic Fluid, Rust Inhibited, Fire Resistant Synthetic Hydrocarbon Base

Copies of these documents are available online at https://assist.dla.mil/quicksearch/ or from the Standardization Document Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.

2.2.2. Other Government documents, drawings, and publications. The following other Government documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

DRAWINGS

U.S. ARMY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENGINEERING COMMAND

Drawing 5-0005-0001: Universal Prescription Lens Carrier ITOP 4-2-805: Projectile Velocity and Time of Flight Measurements

Application for copies should be addressed to the Defense Technical Information Center,8725 John J. Kingman Road, Ste. 0944, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6218. Copies of documents required by contractors in connection with specific acquisition functions should be obtained from the contracting activity or as directed by the contracting activity.

2.3. Non-Government publications. The following documents form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TEXTILE CHEMISTS AND COLORISTS (AATCC)

AATCC Evaluation Procedure 9, Visual Assessment of Color Difference of Textiles

Copies are available on line at http://www.aatcc.org or from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215.

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI)

ANSI S12.42: Methods for the Measurement of Insertion Loss of Hearing Protection Devices in Continuous or Impulsive Noise Using Microphone-in-Real-Ear or Acoustic Test Fixture Procedures

ANSI-Z80.3: Ophthalmics: Toric Intraocular Lenses

ANSI-Z87.1-2003: American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices

ANSI/ISEA-Z87.1-2015: American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices

Copies are available online at http://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore or from American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY (ASQ)

ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 – Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection of Attributes

Copies are available online at http://www.asq.org or from the American Society for Quality, 600 North Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

ASTM INTERNATIONAL

ASTM D1003: Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics ASTM D3359: Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test ASTM D6413: Standard Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test) ASTM G155: Standard Practice for Operation of Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

Copies of documents are available online at http://www.astm.org or from the ASTM INTERNATIONAL, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box 700C, West Conshohocken, PA 19428- 2959.

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION

NATO Standard AFLP 3747: Guide Specifications (Minimum Quality Standards) for Aviation Turbine Fuels (F-24, F-27, F-34, F-35, F-37, F-40, and F-44)

Copies of documents are available online at http://www.nato.int

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Repeat Insult Patch Test – Modified Draize Procedure

Principles and Methods of Toxicology (Fourth Edition), A. Wallace Hayes (Editor), pp. 1057- 1060, 2001.

Copies are available online at http://www.taylorandfrancis.co.uk/ or from Taylor and Francis, 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

2.4. Order of document precedence. Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.

3. MCEP Requirements

3.1. Specification sheets. The individual item requirements shall be as specified herein and in accordance with the applicable specification sheet. In the event of any conflict between the requirements of this specification and the specification sheet, the latter shall govern.

NOTE: All requirements apply unless otherwise specified.

3.2. Qualification. Eyewear furnished under this specification are products that are authorized by PM Soldier Protective Equipment for listing on the Authorized Protective Eyewear List.

Eyewear shall meet all requirements in this specification to be considered qualified.

3.3. Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable materials. Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable materials should be used to the maximum extent possible, provided that the material meets or exceeds the operational and maintenance requirements, and promotes economically advantageous life cycle costs.

3.4. Eyewear Configuration

3.4.1. System configuration. The MCEP system shall consist of a system containing: eyewear (Class 1 spectacles, Class 2 goggles, or Class 3 hybrid goggle), spare lens (with nosepiece, if applicable) and carrying case, instruction booklet, cleaning cloth, anti-fog reapplication and a retaining strap. Lenses shall be capable of being easily removed from the primary frame and replaced with another lens. For those products designed without a frame around the lens, the lens shall be easily removed from the supporting structure (i.e., temple arms and/or retention strap) and replaced with another lens. Goggles shall also include a protective sleeve. Sub-class U items shall include any adaptors required to interface with the UPLC system. Items that require electric power for use shall include an appropriate means of charging the battery.

3.4.2. Class 1 spectacles. Class 1 spectacles are defined as eyewear that protects the wearer’s eyes from hazards/threats associated with fragmentation and light energy; additional wind/dust protection in the form of a seal around the eye socket or spectacle/frame perimeter is optional.

If a removable wind/dust protective seal is proposed as part of the configuration, it shall be included as part of the kit, and the kit shall meet all specification requirements both with and without the removable seal in place. Primary means of retention for spectacles shall be temple arms or retention strap (for those designs that do not have temple arms); an additional retention strap shall be included with the system for use in conjunction with, or in place of, the temple arms for designs that include temple arms.

3.4.3. Class 2 goggles. Class 2 goggles are defined as eyewear that protects the wearer’s eyes from hazards/threats associated with fragmentation and light energy, as well as from wind and dust, providing a protective seal around the eyes. The primary means of retention for goggles shall be a goggle strap. A protective sleeve shall be provided for the goggle when not in use (such as when stowed on helmet). If a removable facefoam is proposed as part of the configuration, it shall be included as part of the kit; the kit shall meet all specification requirements both with and without the removable facefoam.

3.4.4. Class 3 hybrid goggles. Class 3 hybrid goggles are defined as eyewear that provides the same protection as the goggle, with the exception that it cannot take a 3rd (center) impact during ballistic fragmentation testing due to the physical nature of the design (i.e., either a goggle design with individual right and left lenses or a goggle design with a lens height of less than five times the diameter of the projectile (2.73 cm) for the center section of the lens).

3.4.5. Sub-class U: UPLC Compatibility. Defined as eyewear of Class 1, 2, or 3 that is compatible with the Universal Prescription Lens Carrier, and shall include any adapters necessary to interface with the UPLC system. Sub-class U adaptors that are used to make the system compatible with the UPLC, shall be able to survive a ballistics fragmentation impact in all configurations for which they are intended. The assembly and associated interfaces shall be sufficiently durable to remain intact upon impact. Sub-class U items shall be ballistics tested both with and without prescription lenses for initial approval of the design for use with the UPLC.

3.4.6. Sub-Class T: Transition Lenses. Defined as eyewear of Class 1, 2, or 3 that can transition from clear state to dark state and vice versa. The photopic luminous transmittance (for the light adapted eye) of the lens in the clear state SHALL NOT be less than 68 percent, with an objective of 89 percent. The photopic luminous transmittance of the dark state shall be within 12 to 18 percent when measured within the critical optical areas. Lenses shall be able to transition from clear to dark state and vice versa in one second or less. Transition Lens shall be able to function manually or automatically. In manual mode, users shall be able to easily switch between light and dark states. In automatic mode, the eyewear will automatically switch between light and dark states based on ambient light.

3.4.7. Sub-Class C: Cold Weather Goggles. Defined as eyewear of Class 2 or 3 that provides resistance to fogging in extreme cold weather environments.

NOTE: It is possible that some eyewear may be capable of being configured as, and qualified as, more than one Class of MCEP system provided all requirements for each respective Class of MCEP system are met.

3.5. Eyewear System Atributes

3.5.1. General. Eyewear shall provide protection to the eye against ballistic fragmentation threats, as well as from electromagnetic radiation, to include bright sunlight and harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ballistic fragmentation protection and UV protection is required in all possible configurations. At least one configuration shall protect the eye from bright sunlight (i.e., sunglasses).

NOTE: Here, a lens is defined as an optical quality protective shield for the eye(s).

Configuration is defined as a lens, or combination of lenses, arranged together to achieve the desired protection and prescription. No more than two (2) types of lenses (or four exposed surfaces), including prescription lenses, shall be arranged in front of the eyes in any configuration. A self-contained lens system (i.e., a thermal lens with a sealed space between two lenses, an electrochromic lens configuration, etc.) shall be counted as two surfaces (front and back). Those surfaces that are physically sealed in between shall not be counted.

3.5.2. Color. Class 1 frames shall be available in Black 357. Class 2, and Class 3 frames shall be available in Black 357, Tan 499 and Foliage Green 504. The finished eyewear shall match the standard sample for shade and appearance, and shall, unless otherwise indicated, be equal to or better than the standard sample with respect to all characteristics for which the sample is referenced (see FED-STD-595C). Retention straps and protective sleeves shall match the eyewear frame in solid color and/or corresponding US military camouflage pattern, and shall match the corresponding standard for shade and appearance. Carrying cases shall match the eyewear frame in solid color and/or corresponding US military camouflage pattern. Findings (thread, zippers, webbing, snaphooks, etc.) shall be a reasonable match to the carrying case.

Matte finishes are preferred.

3.5.3. Carrying case. A carrying case shall be provided for each class of eyewear. Separately sized/designed carrying cases may be used for each class as necessary. The carrying case shall be capable of carrying one MCEP system (eyewear, retaining strap instruction booklet, cleaning cloth and anti-fog reapplication) with or without attached prescription lenses and at least one extra protective lens. The carrying case shall provide a means of draining any liquid that enters the case. The carrying case shall easily attach/detach to/from the soldier’s equipment belt and load bearing equipment. The method for attaching/detaching the case to/from the user’s belt, vest or packs shall be easy to accomplish, yet durable and remain attached during field operations such as crawling, climbing, etc. The carrying case shall be designed so as to allow for quick and easy access to the MCEP system by the user and shall be operable and resistant to breaks and cracks, discoloration, corrosion, and rust during operation, shipping, and storage.

3.5.4. Instruction booklet. An instruction booklet shall be provided, which, at a minimum, includes a description and use of the MCEP system to include lens installation and removal, configurations, maintenance and cleaning procedures. If the item meets sub-class requirements, the instruction booklet will contain procedures and diagrams for the appropriate sub-class. Information related to safety shall also be included, as appropriate, and shall be made to stand out from the remainder of the text. Language shall be simple, clear and concise.

Type style, size and spacing shall be in accordance with best commercial practices for technical publications. The instruction booklet shall be small enough to fit in the MCEP system carrying case with the components as specified in 3.5.3, yet the print shall be large enough to be read by the individual.

3.5.5. System retention. Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 MCEP systems shall provide maximum system retention during conduct of rigorous activities in all configurations. Class 1 primary means of retention for spectacles shall be temple arms or retention strap (for those designs that do not have temple arms);an additional retention strap shall be included with the system for optional use in conjunction with, or in place of, the temple arms for designs that include temple arms. Class 2 primary means of retention shall be a goggle strap. Class 3 primary means of retention shall be a goggle strap. Retention of the Class 2 and Class 3 shall be such that the items may be worn on the helmet when not in use.

3.5.6. Component changes. Component changes such as installation/removal of protective lenses, retention straps, nose pieces, frames and components required for sub-class compatibility shall not require the use of tools, and shall be able to be accomplished during day and night conditions while wearing the various clothing and equipment specified in section 3.5.9.

3.5.7. Uniformity in system dimensions. The MCEP system end item components (e.g. lenses, frames, nose pieces, prescription lens carrier adaptors (as applicable), straps and associated attachment mechanisms) shall be uniform in dimension between items of the same class, size and product. The lenses, frames, nose pieces, prescription lens carrier adaptors (as applicable), straps and attachment mechanisms shall be able to be changed out from one item of the same product line and used on another item of the same product line with no degradation of capabilities.

3.5.8. System weight. The weight of the Class 1 MCEP eyewear shall not exceed 45.2 grams (1.6 ounces) for any eyewear configuration proposed as part of the system, to include any removable eyewear components, such as removable facefoam and retention straps, installed on the eyewear. The weight of the empty carrying case for Class 1 shall not exceed 141.75 grams (5 ounces) for any eyewear configuration proposed as part of the system, to include any removable eyewear components, such as removable face foam and retention straps, installed on the eyewear. The weight of the Class 2 and Class 3 MCEP eyewear shall not exceed

144.58 grams (5.1 ounces). The weight of the empty carrying case for Class 2 and Class 3 shall not exceed 226.80 grams (8 ounces). Exception: Sub-class C eyewear shall not exceed 300 grams (10.6 ounces).

3.6. System interface requirements: The MCEP system shall functionally and comfortably integrate when being used with current weapons, clothing, and equipment normally carried, worn, or used, with the exception of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives (CBRNE) protective masks.

3.6.1. Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) or Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH). Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 MCEP systems shall be capable of being worn with the ACH or ECH. Class 2 and Class 3 shall be capable of being worn over or under the ACH or ECH.

3.6.2. Army Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet (DH-132B) and the Marine Corps Advanced CVC helmet. Class 2, and Class 3 MCEP systems shall be capable of being worn with the CVC helmet (DH-132B) and the Marine Corps Advanced CVC helmet. Class 2 and Class 3 shall not break the ear cup seal when worn over the helmet. Class 1 spectacles claiming compatibility with this helmet shall demonstrate they can do so without degrading the noise attenuation characteristics of the CVC ear cups by more than 5 decibels.

3.6.3. Lightweight helmet (LWH). Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 MCEP systems shall be capable of being worn with the Marine Corps LWH. Class 2 and Class 3 shall be capable of being worn over the LWH.

3.6.4. Weapons. Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 MCEP systems shall not degrade the soldiers' ability to shoulder, aim, fire at and hit targets, carry, or inhibit head flexing/rotation when using the following: M-16 RIFLE family, M-4 CARBINE "FLAT TOP", M-24 with Leupold sight, M203, M-249, M-60, M-67 mortar sight, M-240B, Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW), TOW missile ITAS, DRAGON, SAW, M18A1 CLAYMORE, M141 BUNKER DEFEAT MUNITION, M136E1 AT4CS, FAMILY OF SMOKE GRENADES, HAND GRENADES, PYROTECHNICS AND SIMULATORS, M136 AT4, M72 LAW (LIGHTWEIGHT ANTI-ARMOR SERIES),M-203 GL, IRON SIGHT M-

240B MG, IRON SIGHT M60 MG, IRON SIGHT M-24 SWS, M107 LRSR, M110 SAAS, M500

SHOTGUN, M26 SHOTGUN, M320 GL.M

3.6.5. Optics/displays: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 MCEP systems shall be capable of being used physically and optically with the following without degrading the user’s ability: TOW missile ITAS, M-144 telescope (spotting scope), JAVELIN command launch unit, M-67 mortar sight, AN/PVS-4, AN/PVS-6, AN/PVS-10, AN/PVS-14 (monocular image intensifier), AN/PAS 13 (thermal weapon sight), AN/TVS 5 (monocular image intensifier), M-68 close combat optic, M- 24 and M22 binoculars, XM25 Stabilized Binocular, AT4, RS, M126 Bunker Defeat Munitions, M68 CCO, M150 RCO, A2 IRON SIGHT, BACK UP IRON SIGHT (BUIS), M145 MGO, LEUPOLD FIXED 10X, LEUPOLD 4.5-14X, LEUPOLD 3.5 -10X, REDFIELD BUIS, M151

SPOTTING SCOPE, PVS14, PVS-7 Image Intensifer, AN/PSQ-20 ENVGS (Enhanced Night Vision Goggles).

3.6.6. Environmental protective clothing. The MCEP system shall be capable of being worn with the 3rd Generation Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS).

3.7. Prescription lens. Sub-Class U MCEP systems shall be able to accommodate the use of the UPLC filled with military polycarbonate prescription lenses (from -10 to +8 diopters sphere with up to -3.25 diopters of cylinder) without degrading the system performance beyond requirement limits.

3.8. Mildew resistance. The textile materials used in the eyewear shall be resistant to mildew for a service life of 6 months or greater and a shelf life of 5 years or greater.

3.9. Chemical resistance. The eyewear lenses shall maximize resistance to: 6.0% Sodium Hypochlorite by weight; insect repellent-controlled release diethyl toluamide (30% concentration DEET), Fire resistant hydraulic fluid (MIL-PRF-46170), Hydraulic Fluid, Petroleum Base (MIL- PRF-6083), Gasoline (87% Octane), Motor oil (Quaker State Peak Performance (SAE 10W-30), and F24 fuel (NATO Standard AFLP 3747) without degrading performance beyond requirement limits.

3.10. Ballistic fragmentation characteristics. The eyewear shall provide ballistics fragmentation protection in all configurations. Eyewear shall be sufficiently durable to remain intact (i.e., all components required for protection and proper retention of the eyewear remain attached) upon/after impact. Sub-class U items shall be tested both with and without prescription lenses for initial approval of the design for use with the UPLC.

Class 1 Spectacles shall provide ballistic fragmentation protection in all configurations IAW section 4.8.4.

Class 2 & 3 Goggles shall provide ballistic fragmentation protection in all configurations IAW 4.8.5.

3.11. Optical characteristics: luminous transmittance, neutrality, chromaticity. All classes of eyewear shall be capable of meeting the optical requirements in all configurations. Sub-class U shall be capable of meeting the optical requirements with and without the UPLC installed (to include the use of multiple nosepieces to accommodate both prescription and non-prescription wearers). Optical tests with the UPLC installed shall be conducted with no lenses in place. All eyewear shall be able to pass all optical requirements at all points within the critical optical area.

3.11.1. Configuration providing ballistic fragmentation protection clear lens only. The photopic luminous transmittance (for the light adapted eye) of the lens shall NOT be less than 89 percent.

The scotopic luminous transmittance of the lens shall not be less than 85 percent. Exceptions:

1) Sub-Class T shall follow luminous transmittance as outlined in 3.6.3. 2) Sub-Class C clear lens: photopic luminous transmittance shall not be less than 75 percent.

3.11.2. Configuration providing ballistic fragmentation protection and bright sunlight (sunglass) protection. The photopic luminous transmittance of the configuration shall be within 12 to 18 percent when measured within the critical optical areas.

3.11.3. Variable transmission lenses (Sub-Class T Only). Lenses that transition from clear to dark states and vice-versa (Transition Lens) shall meet the following transmittance requirements for the corresponding state (clear or dark). Photopic luminous transmittance of the lens in the clear state shall not be less than 68 percent. It is desired that the lens in the clear state shall not be less than 89 percent. The photopic luminous transmittance of the dark state shall be within 12 to 18 percent. Lenses shall be capable of transitioning from state to state in 1 second or less.

3.11.4. Variable Transmission Lens Transition Function (Sub-Class T only). Transition Lens shall be able to function manually or automatically. In manual mode, users shall be able to easily switch between light and dark states. In automatic mode, the eyewear will automatically switch between light and dark states based on ambient light.

3.11.5. Neutrality. The spectral transmittance of the sunglass lens may vary with wave lengths between 430 and 730 nanometers (nm); the average percentage deviation within nine spectral bands shall be less than 12 percent. The spectral distribution curve shall show a reasonably even distribution throughout the visible spectrum to insure that color distortion will not be excessive.

3.11.6. Chromaticity. The chromaticity coordinates x and y of the lenses shall be within the limits indicated in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Chromaticity coordinates

3.11.7. Field of view. The MCEP system shall provide unobscured vision with a field of view adequate for mission in all configurations.

3.11.8. Haze/resistance to scratching/abrasion. Eyewear shall maximize resistance to scractching abrasion. Initial haze of the eyewear for all MCEP lenses shall be no greater than 3%. No more than six percent (6%) haze shall be added to the baseline haze value as a result of abrasion testing IAW section 4.10.

3.11.9. Resistance to fogging. The item shall not fog to the extent that the user is unable to perform their intended mission. A topical antifog treatment compatible with the eyewear coatings shall be included as part of the MCEP kit. Sub-Class C eyewear shall provide resistance to fogging in extreme cold weather environments.

3.11.10. Optical distortion. The eyewear lens(es) shall be free of blurs or distortion (evidenced by waves or ripples or shearing patterns) in the image of a straight line in any meridian when viewed through the lens. Conformance shall be determined via the acceptable standards shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Optical distortion standards

3.11.11. Ultraviolet absorption. The eyewear lens(es) shall absorb at least 99.9 percent of the incident ultraviolet radiation in the range 290 to 380 nanometers (nm).

3.12. Eyewear System Durability.

3.12.1. Carrying case protection: The carrying case shall protect the eyewear during carrying, storage, and shipping such that there is no degradation beyond the requirement limits in optical or ballistic fragmentation performance. The carrying case shall minimize dirt infiltration and scratching of lenses.

3.12.2. Service life/shelf life. The system shall have a minimum field life of six months and a minimum shelf life of 60 months or longer.

3.12.3. Repair. The system shall be capable of being repaired by replacing components that have become damaged. Repairs shall be capable of being performed without tools.

3.12.4. Environment. The MCEP system shall be capable of being worn/used in all climatic categories (i.e. -60 °F to 120 °F) during day, dusk, and nighttime operations, and during various environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, wind, etc.

3.12.5. Eyewear. The eyewear shall not warp or deform, delaminate, discolor, corrode, rust, or crack, nor shall its ballistic fragmentation or optical characteristics be degraded beyond the requirement limits during operation, shipping, or storage in all climatic categories.

3.12.6. Temperature: There shall be no degradation of the eyewear (to include configurations with removable eyewear components, such as removable facefoam and retention straps) beyond the requirement limits following exposure for 72 hours at 160°F and 72 hours at -60°F.

3.12.7. Solar radiation: There shall be no degradation of the eyewear (to include configurations with removable eyewear components, such as removable facefoam and retention straps) beyond the requirement limits when tested against 200 hours of simulated solar radiation.

3.12.8. Humidity: There shall be no degradation of the eyewear beyond the requirement limits after exposure to 10 cycles for a combined total of 240 hours of temperature and humidity.

3.12.9. Adhesion. If a coating has been applied to the lens, the coating on the front surface and back surface of the lens shall not be able to be removed, dislodged, or affected in any way.

3.12.10. Wind/dust. The Class 2 and Class 3 eyewear shall provide protection to the eyes from wind and dust. The design of the goggles shall minimize the wind and dust entering the space between the eyes and the goggle lens(es).

3.12.11. Salt water. There shall be no degradation beyond the requirement limits when exposed to salt water.

3.13. Sub-class T Power Requirements. If eyewear transition lens is power driven, then the battery shall be capable of functioning in the powered state for at least 72 hours before requiring recharge. When the power fails, the transition eyewear shall fail to the clear state. A means to recharge the battery shall be included as part of the MCEP kit. The battery shall have a minimum field life of six months and minimum shelf life of 60 months.

3.14. Sub-class C Power Requirements. If cold-weather eyewear is power driven, then the battery shall be capable of functioning in the powered state for at least 6 hours before requiring recharge. A means to recharge the battery shall be included as part of the MCEP kit. The battery shall have a minimum field life of six months and minimum shelf life of 60 months.

3.15. Human Factors Engineering (HFE).

3.15.1. Dimensions. The MCEP system shall accommodate (i.e., fit, adjust, and/or successful use) U.S. Army target audience soldiers with 5th percentile female through 95th percentile male design critical dimensions, while wearing appropriate clothing and individual equipment.

Sufficient numbers of sizes for each Class of MCEP system, and adjustments within the sizes, shall be provided to correctly fit the full range of body dimensions of the target audience. All MCEP systems shall be designed to minimize eyelash contact in all configurations.

3.15.2. Pantoscopic tilts and faceform angles. The UPLC interface for Sub-Class U systems shall be such that the pantoscopic tilt of the UPLC when installed in the eyewear is 15 degrees or less. Negative pantoscopic tilts are not acceptable. The UPLC interface design shall not visibly distort the faceform angle of the UPLC when the UPLC is installed (empty of prescription lenses) into the eyewear.

3.15.3. Comfort. There shall be a means to adjust the eyewear for proper fit/comfort. MCEP system shall be designed to minimize localized discomfort when used alone or in conjunction with the items identified in paragraph 3.5.9. The finished parts of the MCEP system shall be free of sharp/rough edges which could result in discomfort or abrasion to the face.

3.15.4. Donning/doffing. The MCEP system shall be easily and quickly (less than 10 seconds) donned and doffed with minimal realigning and readjusting. Donning/doffing of the spectacle shall be without the retention strap since its use is optional, and shall be to/from the carrying case. Donning/doffing of the eyewear in general shall be accomplished without removing other equipment, to include the LWH, ECH, ACH and the CVC helmet, and heavy gloves (trigger finger and Arctic mittens). The MCEP system shall be easily and quickly (less than 10 seconds) accessed from the protective carrying case when attached to the soldier's belt, vest, or other equipment.

3.15.5. Use. Users of the MCEP system shall be able to accomplish the following tasks (at a minimum) in order to make the system function (tasks may or may not be required, based on selected configuration):

Table 1: User Task List for MCEP

No. Task to be performed Standard A Stow/remove MCEP system to/from carrier Y/N B Adjust Class 1 MCEP system to fit on the face in the as worn configuration under the helmet (LWH, ACH, ECH, CVC (As applicable)) Y/N

C Adjust Class 2 and Class 3 MCEP system to fit over the helmet (CVC;

LWH, ACH, ECH

Y/N

D Adjust Class 2 and Class 3 MCEP system to fit on the face in the as worn configuration under the helmet (CVC; LWH, ACH, ECH)

Y/N

E Install/remove lenses Y/N F Manipulate movable parts Y/N G Perform operator level Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services

(PMCS)

Y/N

H Install/remove the UPLC (Sub-Class U only) Y/N I Manually transition lens from light to dark and vice versa (Sub-Class T only) Y/N J Switch transition function from manual to automatic and vice versa (Sub-

Class T only) Y/N

K Operate active anti-fog (Sub-Class C only) Y/N

3.16. Survivability in a tactical environment. The MCEP system shall have no adverse impact upon user survivability. Detection of the system by reflected light is a potential survivability issue which shall be eliminated or minimized to the greatest extent possible.

3.17. Safety/health hazards

3.17.1. Risk assessment. MCEP system shall comply with all safety and health standards and performance requirements of this section. Residual user safety or health hazards (those introduced by the use of the product) shall be controlled to a hazard severity/hazard probability (Risk Assessment Code) of IIE, IIID, IVB or less, as defined by the following matrix:

Table 2: Decision authority matrix

HAZARD SEVERITY

HAZARD PROBABILITY

Frequent Reasonably Probable

Occasional Remote Improbable

A B C D E

Catastrophic I ***********

***HIGH****

Critical II ************

Marginal III ************

MEDIUM

Negligible IV

...LOW

Areas shaded represent a High risk level

Areas shaded represent a Medium risk level, and

Areas shaded represent a Low risk level. Definitions are found in paragraph 6.5.

3.17.2. Prolonged effects. Prolonged wearing of the MCEP system with and without the UPLC containing prescription lenses ranging from -10 to +8 diopters sphere with up to -3.25 diopters of cylinder shall not cause headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or undue eye strain/fatigue.

3.17.3. Toxicity. The finished MCEP system shall not present a health hazard and shall show compatibility with prolonged, direct skin contact when tested as specified in 4.21. Chemicals recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as human carcinogens shall not be used.

3.17.4. Skin irritants. MCEP shall be free of sharp/rough edges, minimize hot spots, and be easy to keep clean/sanitary so as to avoid cuts, abrasion and/or irritation to the skin that could result in infection.

3.18. Administrative Markings and Identification

3.18.1. Identification and marking. MCEP system components shall be permanently marked in accordance with ANSI Z87.1. All MCEP Systems shall include a date clock (indicating month and year of manufacture) on all frames and a date stamp on all lenses. The date stamp on the lens shall be a two digit month followed by a four digit year (e.g. 04/2009). All frames and lenses shall also be marked with a mold and cavity identifier indicating the mold/cavity where the lens and frames came from along with a marking to indicate the manufacturer of the lens.

Date clock and date stamp information shall be in a readily accessible location that does not require destruction of the item to find or read the date stamp or date clock. Application of the marking shall not degrade the eyewear’s ability to meet the requirements of this specification beyond the required limits nor shall the markings be placed in a location that impinges on the user’s field of view. All classes of eyewear shall have the trademarked letters “APEL” marked on the left temporal region of the eyewear once authorized for use. The logo shall be durable for the life of the item, legible and visible when worn with helmets in 3.5.9., and present no hazard to the soldier (e.g. rubbing, snagging) through its manner of construction/placement.

Approval to use the logo must be obtained by the Government (PM Soldier Protective Equipment) prior to implementation.

3.18.2. Bar coding. Bar codes (if applicable) shall be as specified in the solicitation and/or contract (see 6.2).

3.19. Compliance with ANSI Z87.1. The eyewear (in all configurations) shall be fully compliant with the current edition of ANSI Z87.1 unless otherwise stated. The eyewear shall be assessed as a High Impact Protector. The eyewear shall meet impact protection requirements in all configurations (to include the use of multiple nosepieces to accommodate both prescription and non-prescription wearers). Peripheral protection shall likewise be demonstrated in all configurations. Each type of lens delivered as part of the MCEP system shall be separately tested for the following tests: Penetration, Prismatic Power, Refractive Power/Astigmatism, Resolving Power, Haze, and Transmittance. A minimum of 3 samples shall be used for each test if less than three is specified. Class 3 items shall be tested to the ANSI Z87.1 goggle requirement.

3.20. ANSI Z87.1 Refractive Power/Astigmatism. Eyewear will be tested for refractive power/ astigmatism in accordance with ANSI Z87.1 2015, with the following exceptions: the refractive power shall be measured as the highest absolute value of the individual meridians. The tolerance on refractive power and astigmatism is +/- .125.

3.21. Flammability/ignition

3.21.1. ANSI flammability/ignition. Flammability for the eyewear shall be in accordance with ANSI Z87.1-2003 (flammability) and ANSI Z87.1-2015 (ignition). This shall include any plastic components, such as buckles, that are present on the Class 2 and Class 3 retention straps.

3.21.2. Textile flammability. Textile components (not covered by ANSI Z87.1) worn as part of the Class 2 and Class 3 eyewear assemblies, to include the retention strap shall be flame resistant. Five samples of each textile component shall be exposed to a vertical flame when tested as specified in 4.20. Textile components shall exhibit an average char length no greater than 10 centimeters and shall not exhibit any visible afterflame for greater than 20.0 seconds average after removal from the test flame. It is desired that the protective sleeve on these items also be flame resistant. Textile components shall not exhibit flaming melt-drip. Cleaning cloths and carrying cases are exempt from this requirement.

3.22. Workmanship. MCEP system shall be free from all defects which would affect proper functioning in service. Parts (zippers, snaps, hook and pile, glides, drawstrings, adjustable eyewear features, etc.) shall function properly. Component interfaces shall be secure. All components shall be present. Stitching shall be complete and secure (i.e., no loose/broken/missing stitching). Components shall be free of rough/sharp edges. Lenses shall minimize imperfections, scratches, etc.

4. INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION

NOTE: Verifications pertain to all MCEP system unless otherwise specified. All numerical results shall be rounded out to the same decimal place or whole number as the requirement.

4.1. Eyewear Product Inspections

4.1.1. Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are classified as follows:

a. Qualification/ 2 Year Recertification inspection (see 4.1.2).

b. 6 Month Conformance/ Lot Acceptance Test inspection (see 4.1.3).

c. First Article Test inspection (see 4.1.4)

4.1.2. Qualification/ 2 Year Recertification inspection . The eyewear shall be subjected to the Examinations and required to pass as specified in Table 3. The eyewear shall be subjected to the Verifications indicated by an “x” in the Qualification/ 2 Year Recertification Column of Table

4. Qualification requirements are further subdivided into Technical Verification and User Evaluation. Additionally, as part of the APEL procedures, items will be recertified every two years by meeting all Technical Verifications indicated by an “x” in the Qualification/ 2 Year Recertification Column of Table 4. Failure to meet any of the tests in Table 2 and qualification tests of Table 4 shall be considered failure of the verification.

4.1.3. Six Month Conformance/ Lot Acceptance Test inspection. Conformance inspection shall include the examination in accordance with end item testing in accordance with 4.1.9. Sampling for inspection shall be performed in accordance with ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 and with the Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) as specified in the contract and/or order, except where otherwise indicated.

4.1.4. First article inspection. Prior to inclusion on the APEL, first article sampling shall be submitted in accordance with 4.1.8 and subjected to the verifications indicated with an “x” in the “Qualification” column of Table 4. Failure to pass any of the tests in Table 4 or visual examination shall be considered failure of the first article.

4.1.5. Order of inspection. Perform chemical resistance, adhesion, abrasion, and ballistic fragmentation tests last, as these are destructive tests.

4.1.6. Inspection conditions. Unless otherwise specified, all inspections shall be performed in accordance with all the requirements of referenced documents, unless otherwise excluded, amended, modified or qualified in this specification or applicable procurement document.

4.1.7. Examinations. Sampling for examination shall be in accordance with ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 or the purchase document. Unless otherwise indicated in the purchase document, the Inspection Level shall be I. Samples selected shall be subjected to the Examinations as specified in 4.1.9 and Table 3.

4.1.8. Tests. Samples for testing will be as selected as indicated below and subjected to the appropriate Verifications indicated in Table 4. Failure of any test shall constitute failure of the entire verification. All verification tests shall be conducted on a minimum sample size of three, unless otherwise specified in this document or reference standards (ANSI Z87.1). If the sample size specified in reference standards is less than three then three samples shall be used.

Ballistic fragmentation testing requires a minimum sample size of ten (10) for initial (pre-exposure) ballistic fragmentation testing, and a minimum sample size of three (3) for post exposure ballistic testing. Flame testing on textiles requires a minimum sample size of five (5) in each direction of the material, with the exception of the goggle strap which shall require a minimum sample size of five (5) in the lengthwise direction only.

A Sample Unit for conformance testing shall be comprised of seventy (70) eyewear systems for each configuration being tested to ensure adequate quantity of product to conduct all tests.

For the purposes of flame testing, previously tested items (such as high velocity impact items) may be used. Product may be disassembled/reassembled prior to test to verify product dimensions are uniform and interchanging components does not cause a degradation in system performance beyond performance requirements. If a product design incorporates removable/optional components (such as removable facefoam or UPLC adaptors), then all configurations shall be tested and sufficient samples shall be pulled for each. If multiple lenses are incorporated as part of the system, the quantity of optical tests (to include, but not limited to, ANSI optics) conducted on each lens type shall be based on the total number of each lens type contained within the lot, Frames used for optical testing may be re-used for the purposes of testing different lens types in order to minimize the amount of product used up in testing.

The number of Sample Units selected shall be determined by the lot size as indicated below:

Lot Size Sample Units

0 – 10,000 1

10,001 – 40,000 2

40,001 – 80,000 3

Lot size shall not exceed 80,000. Any additional quantity over 80,000 shall be treated as a new lot.

4.1.9. End item visual examination. End items shall be examined for the visual defects listed in Table 3. Any defect found in an end item listed in Table 3 shall be considered failure of the visual inspection. Visual inspection of the lens for imperfections, scratches, etc. shall consist of holding the lens approximately 45 centimeters from the eye with the lens viewed against a black background, then a white background, both illuminated by a white light. Initial assessment may be made by subjective examination by a trained individual, or by a comparison to the Eastman- Kodak Scratch and Dig Paddle or equivalent. If required, final assessment shall be made using an optical comparator with a reticule scale of 0.20 millimeters gradations. Defects that are hidden after final assembly, such as those masked by the eyewear frame, will not be scored.

The end items shall be examined for the following defects:

4.1.9.1. Imperfections. An imperfection is defined as a pit, bubble, speck, or dig. Dimensions are measured from the diameter of a circular imperfection or the largest dimension of a non-circular imperfection.

4.1.9.2. Critical area. The critical area (defined by a circle having a 20 millimeters radius centered on the horizontal centerline and 32 millimeters from the vertical centerline) shall not contain more than four imperfections as follows:

a. One (1) imperfection from 0.21 millimeters to 0.30 millimeters and three imperfections from 0.15 millimeters to 0.20 millimeters.

b. OR Four (4) imperfections from 0.15 millimeters to 0.20 millimeters.

The critical area shall not contain any imperfections larger than 0.30 millimeters.

Imperfections larger than 0.15 millimeters must be separated by 20 millimeters. Any number of imperfections less than 0.15 millimeters are allowed. Imperfections less than 1 millimeters apart, including those less than 0.15 millimeters, shall be scored together (sizes added) as one imperfection.

4.1.9.3. Non-critical area. The non-critical area (all optical surfaces other than the critical optical areas) shall not contain more than thirty (30) imperfections as follows:

a. Ten (10) imperfections from 0.21 millimeters to 0.40 millimeters and twenty (20) imperfections from 0.15 millimeters to 0.20 millimeters.

b. OR Thirty (30) imperfections from 0.15 millimeters to 0.20 millimeters.

The non-critical area shall not contain any imperfections larger than 0.40 millimeters.

Imperfections larger than 0.30 millimeters must be within 10 millimeters of the edge of the lens. Imperfections from 0.21 millimeters to 0.40 millimeters must be separated from each other by at least 20 millimeters and imperfections from 0.15 millimeters to 0.20 millimeters must be separated from each other and any larger imperfections by 10 millimeters. Any number of imperfections less than 0.15 millimeters are allowed. Imperfections less than 1 millimeters apart, including those less than 0.15 millimeters, shall be scored together (sizes added) as one imperfection.

4.1.10. Scratches. The critical area shall not contain any scratches. The non-critical area shall not contain any scratches exceeding the size 40 width defined by the Eastman-Kodak Scratch and Dig Paddle. Acceptable scratches shall not exceed 10 millimeters in length. Multiple scratches must be separated by at least 80 millimeters.

4.1.11. Cloudiness, scuffs, runs. The critical area shall not contain any areas of cloudiness, scuffs, coating lines, coating runs, or areas of partial coating unless the anomaly is within 2 millimeters of the lens edge. The non-critical area shall not contain any areas of cloudiness, scuffs, coating lines, coating runs, or areas of partial coating unless the anomaly is within 3 millimeters of the lens edge.

Table 3: End item visual defects

Examine Defect Eyewear Quality of material

More than 4 imperfections greater than or equal to 0.15 mm in critical area More than one 0.21 mm to 0.30 mm imperfections in critical area Any imperfection larger than 0.30 mm in critical area Any pair of imperfections greater than or equal to 0.15 mm separated by less than 20 mm in critical area More than 10 imperfections from 0.21 mm to 0.40 mm in non-critical area More than 30 imperfections greater than or equal to 0.15 mm in non-critical area Any imperfection larger than 0.40 mm in the non-critical area Any pair of imperfections greater than 0.20 mm separated by less than 20 mm in non-critical area Any pair of imperfections greater than or equal to 0.15 mm separated by less than 10 mm in non-critical area Any imperfections larger than 0.30 mm not within 10 mm of the edge of the lens in non-critical area Break, crack or fracture Sharp/rough edges (enough to cause skin abrasion) Any scratch in the critical area Any scratch greater size 40 in the non-critical area Any scratch greater than 10mm in length in the non-critical area

Continued - Eyewear Quality of material -

Any pair of scratches not separated greater than or equal to 80 mm

Case-quality of material

Crazing, cracks, warped sidewalls, off shade, mottled or streaky

Workmanship and assembly of eyewear

Any component missing Component malformed, warped, chipped or otherwise damaged Not connected or…