Randolph Engineering

Randolph Engineering makes military-spec aviator sunglasses. The company was founded in 1973 by Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski, Polish immigrants to the United States. It set up shop just south of Boston and remains independent. Every frame is handcrafted by skilled artisans in a Massachusetts factory to rigorous military specifications. The price level is mid, with prices on its site from about US$245 to US$395.

Pilot sunglasses

Randolph joined forces with the U.S. Military in 1978 to produce the HGU-4/P Aviator for fighter pilots. Randolph continues to produce the HGU-4/P Aviator for the U.S. Military and air forces worldwide. Each Aviator is built to the strict MIL-S-25948J standards. The brow bar on aviators was originally designed for military pilots, and Randolph offers aviator sizes from Small to XL. The Military Aviators collection includes a Military Special Edition.

History with the U.S. Military

Since 1978, Randolph served as a subcontractor to the U.S. Military. In 1982, it secured its first direct U.S. Department of Defense contract. The DoD awarded Randolph the M40 Gas Mask insert contract in the late 1980s. During the Gulf War, Randolph increased output from 10,000 to 40,000 units per month. The company was awarded its first Frame of Choice program contract. Beyond aviation, Randolph introduced the Ranger clay shooting glasses in 1992. In 1993, Randolph began sponsoring aerobatics pilot Sean Tucker.

How it is made

Every pair is built by skilled artisans in a Massachusetts factory. Frames use corrosion-resistant metal alloys such as Monel and stainless steel. Randolph eyewear is built to rigorous military specifications and is handcrafted in the USA. Orders ship from the Randolph, Massachusetts factory within 24 to 48 hours, and the brand offers free shipping for orders 99 dollars or more.

Models and collaborations

Randolph focuses on aviator-style eyewear with roots in military use. Notable aviation-related models and editions include:

• HGU-4/P Aviator: Standard-issue military aviator sunglasses produced for fighter pilots.
• Aviator - Military Special Edition
• Concorde
• Thunderbirds x Gentex x Randolph Aviator
• World of Warships x Randolph Aviator
• Military Aviators: Signature military-spec aviator collection.

Partnerships have included Shelby x Randolph, Thunderbirds x Randolph, Erin & Ben Napier x Randolph, Cole Hauser x Randolph, Randolph x BKc, Todd Snyder, and Sounder Goods.

Pilots and aviation fans like Randolph for its long service with the U.S. Military, the HGU-4/P Aviator built to MIL-S-25948J standards, and careful U.S. handcraft. The fit range from Small to XL and the pilot-focused brow bar design also help the glasses work well in and out of the cockpit.