Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS)

A U.S. Army soldier wearing Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS) and equipped with the 21st Century Land Warrior Integrated Fighting System for dismounted combat, Fort McPherson GA, 14 June 2001. His equipment includes a global positioning system (GPS) with a computer/radio subsystem (CRS) and he is armed with a 5.56mm Colt M4 carbine
A U.S. Army soldier wearing Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS) and equipped with the 21st Century Land Warrior Integrated Fighting System for dismounted combat, Fort McPherson GA, 14 June 2001. His equipment includes a global positioning system (GPS) with a computer/radio subsystem and he is armed with a 5.56mm Colt M4 carbine.

Today in WW II: 17 May 1940 Brussels falls to German forces; Belgian government flees to Ostend, Belgium.  More ↓
17 May 1943 US Army contracts with University of Pennsylvania's Moore School of Electrical Engineering to develop ENIAC computer.
17 May 1943 8th Air Force B-17F Flying Fortress named Memphis Belle becomes the first plane to complete a 25-mission tour of duty.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS)

The Special Protective Eyewear, Cylindrical System (SPECS) program was initiated in 1991, and is based on a requirement, approved in 1984, for ballistic and laser eye protection. SPECS successfully completed evaluation and was Type Classified Standard in May 1995. The first contract for production of SPECS was awarded for 1Q-FY97, and First Unit Equipped was scheduled for 4Q-FY98.

Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS)
Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS)

Special Protective Eyewear, Cylindrical System. SPECS is designed to provide ballistic, solar, and laser protection for soldiers with normal vision. That is, for soldiers who do not require prescription lenses. The SPECS system consists of a lens carrying brow-bar, interchangeable spatula and cable temples, a nosepiece, and four interchangeable lenses.

The temples are capable of panoscopic angle adjustment for maximum fit, comfort, and acceptance. However, peripheral vision is limited when wearing SPECS. Lenses provide 2- and 3-wavelength laser protection. All lenses are ballistic protective capable of defeating a 5.8 grain, T-37 shaped fragment simulating projectile at 650 feet per second. The SPECS are designed to accommodate the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male in two sizes, regular and large.

A hard carrying case is available that can accommodate a complete spectacle assembly consisting of a frame and two lenses. The carrying case has ALICE clips for attachment to an equipment belt, suspenders or pack.

Special Protective Eyewear, Cylindrical System (SPECS) Effect on Color Vision

The SPECS lens tint effects on color vision are tabulated as follows:

  • Clear. This lens transmits approximately 95 percent of light and has no effect on the color of objects.
  • Gray. This filter acts as a sunglass. This filter has minimal effect on the color of objects.
  • Green. This filter is designed to protect users from specific wavelengths. This filter markedly attenuates red and mildly attenuates yellow, blue, and brown. Green is enhanced.
  • Brown (dark orange). This filter is designed to protect users from specific wavelengths. This filter markedly attenuates all colors, especially blue.

NSN Table for Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS) Components

Item Size NSN
SPECS kit. Includes clear and gray lenses, frame, strap and case Regular 8465-01-416-4626
SPECS kit. Includes clear and gray lenses, frame, strap and case Large 8465-01-416-4629
SPECS, 2WL laser protection. Includes lens and frame Regular 8465-01-416-4634
SPECS, 2WL laser protection. Includes lens and frame Large 8465-01-416-4632
SPECS, 3WL laser protection. Includes lens and frame Regular 8465-01-416-4635
SPECS, 3WL laser protection. Includes lens and frame Large 8465-01-416-8516
SPECS, clear. Includes lens and frame Regular 8465-01-416-4628
SPECS, clear. Includes lens and frame Large 8465-01-416-4631
SPECS, gray. Includes lens and frame Regular 8465-01-416-4630
SPECS, gray. Includes lens and frame Large 8465-01-416-4633
SPECS case ——— 8465-01-416-4627
Retaining strap ——— 8465-01-416-4637

MIL-PRF-31013 defines the requirements for Special Protective Eyewear Cylindrical System (SPECS). SPECS meets the American National Standards Institute requirements for occupational eye and face protection.

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