Defense & Military
Robins AFB Leads Deployment of Block 3 Laser Eye Protection System
Robins AFB leads rollout of the Block 3 Aircrew Laser Eye Protection system, enhancing pilot safety with laser and ballistic protection amid rising laser strikes.
This article is based on an official press release from Robins Air Force Base and supporting data from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Robins AFB Team Leads Rollout of Next-Gen “Block 3” Laser Eye Protection
As incidents of laser strikes against Commercial-Aircraft reach record highs, the United States Air Force is accelerating the deployment of advanced protective eyewear designed to shield pilots from blinding light and physical debris. Leading this critical sustainment effort is a specialized team at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, working under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Human Systems Division (AFLCMC/ROU).
The initiative focuses on the “Block 3” Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) system, a modular suite of eyewear that represents a significant technological leap over previous iterations. According to the Air Force, the service plans to field more than 42,000 of these devices to units worldwide between 2027 and 2029. The program aims to counter the growing prevalence of handheld lasers, which can cause flash blindness and incapacitate pilots during critical phases of flight.
While the Human Systems Division is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the Operations and Support team responsible for validating and sustaining this gear operates out of Robins AFB. Their work ensures that the equipment not only meets technical specifications but also functions practically for aircrews operating in diverse and dangerous environments.
The “Block 3” Capability Leap
The Block 3 ALEP system is not a single pair of glasses but a comprehensive kit comprising six distinct devices. These include day spectacles, night spectacles, ballistic spectacles, and visors designed to integrate with night vision goggles. The new system addresses several limitations found in the older Block 2 gear, specifically regarding color perception and physical protection.
One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of ballistic protection. For the first time, the ALEP system combines laser filtration with impact resistance, a critical feature for aircrews in “low and slow” aircraft, such as Helicopters and CV-22 Ospreys, who face threats from ground fire and shrapnel in addition to directed energy.
Kevin Frost, a mechanical engineer with the AFLCMC/ROU Operation and Support team, emphasized the importance of these upgrades in the official release. The new lenses utilize advanced dyes capable of filtering a broader spectrum of light wavelengths, offering protection against a wider variety of laser colors, including green and blue lasers which are increasingly common.
Solving the Night Vision Challenge
A persistent complaint regarding previous laser eye protection was the degradation of visual clarity during night operations. Older lenses often blocked too much visible light or distorted colors, making it difficult for pilots to read instruments or identify terrain. The Block 3 night spectacles have been engineered to allow more natural light to pass through while still filtering harmful laser frequencies.
Eric Miltner, an equipment specialist with the team at Robins AFB, noted that the team travels directly to bases to validate the equipment with the Airmen who will use it. This hands-on approach ensures that technical manuals are clear and that the gear integrates seamlessly with existing flight equipment.
“We go to an actual base where people are going to be using this equipment… We show them the manual, and we let them walk through the steps without us assisting just to make sure it all makes sense.”
, Eric Miltner, AFLCMC/ROU Equipment Specialist
The Rising Threat of Laser Strikes
The deployment of Block 3 comes at a time when laser strikes are becoming a frequent hazard for both military and commercial aviation. According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes in 2024 alone, averaging roughly 35 incidents per day. This represents a nearly 48% increase since 2020. Reports for 2025 have already exceeded 10,000 incidents, signaling that the trend is not slowing down.
Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski, the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering flight chief, highlighted the medical and psychological dangers posed by these strikes. While permanent blindness is rare, the immediate effects can be catastrophic.
“Laser exposures can severely disrupt critical phases of flight… and can have significant psychological effects on aircrew even at distances where ocular damage is unlikely.”
, Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski
The primary danger is “flash blindness,” a phenomenon similar to the afterimage caused by a camera flash, but continuous. If this occurs during takeoff or landing, a pilot may lose the ability to see flight instruments. Furthermore, in a military context, a laser strike can be interpreted as a targeting designator from a weapon system, causing significant psychological stress and distraction.
Legal and Industry Context
Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 39A. Offenders face up to five years in prison and criminal fines of up to $250,000. Additionally, the FAA can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Despite these severe penalties, the frequency of strikes continues to rise, necessitating the defensive measures being rolled out by the Air Force.
The Block 3 eyewear is manufactured by Gentex Corporation, a long-standing defense contractor based in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, known for producing helmet systems and respiratory protection for military personnel.
AirPro News Analysis
The rollout of Block 3 ALEP signifies a shift in how the Air Force views optical threats. In the past, laser protection might have been considered a niche safety requirement. Today, with the proliferation of high-powered handheld lasers and the increasing use of directed energy weapons in global conflicts, optical shielding has become as essential as ballistic body armor.
We observe that the inclusion of ballistic protection in the Block 3 kit is particularly telling. It suggests a doctrine where pilots are expected to operate in contested environments where threats are multi-dimensional, simultaneously kinetic (shrapnel) and optical (lasers). By consolidating these protections into a single modular system, the Air Force is reducing the logistical burden on aircrews while enhancing their survivability.
The work being done at Robins AFB by the AFLCMC/ROU team highlights the critical role of sustainment and validation. High-tech gear is useless if it is uncomfortable or incompatible with other equipment. By validating these systems on the ground with the Airmen who use them, the Air Force is ensuring that the $42,000+ unit rollout translates into actual operational readiness rather than just warehouse inventory.
Sources: Robins Air Force Base, Federal Aviation Administration
Photo Credit: Robins Air Force Base
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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