Marchon UK has today announced that the Air Experience Flights (AEF) and Volunteer Gliding Schools (VGS) which are run by a subsection of the RAF, have begun trials of Flexon frames. Should the trials prove successful, Flexon will then be put forward for formal MoD trials.
Flexon frames, fitted with Carl Zeiss Skylet selective absorption lenses, are being tested by the AEF and VGS around the country in a one-year project, with all pilots in these sectors completing questionnaires rating the Flexon frames and Carl Zeiss Skylet lenses against a number of criteria including weight, comfort and safety.
RAF reserve officer in Lincolnshire Mike Williams commented on the trials to date: ÔWe have had extremely positive feedback from all our pilots who have taken part. Most are asking me when they will be able to have their own pair. We were keen to start trials with Flexon as the current MoD allocation frames stay bent when they are bent and can break. There is still sometime to go with the trials, but indications so far are that the pilots are very impressed by the frames and lenses.Õ
The R&D department at Carl Zeiss developed the Clarlet Skylet lenses to meet the requirements of extreme light conditions. The special feature is that they markedly reduce transmission of the short-wave portion of visible radiation, giving a better contrast.
Managing director of Marchon UK Robert Lambie said: ÔWe are very pleased to have been able to provide Flexon frames to the AEF and VGS for their trials and hope that the pilots can benefit from the many advantages they offer. I am looking forward to receiving the feedback at the end of the trials early next year.Õ