Avon receives order for M50 masks

Avon Protection has been awarded a $42 million contract by the US Department of Defense (DoD) for the supply of 166,623 M50 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) respiratory protection mask systems, it was announced on 10 March.

The M50 is designed to meet the latest NATO forces military mask requirements. It has a twin filter conformal system and a wide panoramic flexible visor. It has been developed to counter the multiple CBRN threats encountered in modern warfare, anti-terrorist and peace-keeping operations.

Gary Dunn, vice president, business development, Avon Protection, said: ‘We are proud that the US DoD continues to choose Avon to provide the best CBRN protective equipment for their troops. The M50 mask system delivers state-of-the-art protection against the changing threat environment we now have - from battlefield concentrations of CB agents, through to toxic industrial materials, toxic chemicals and particulate matter.

‘The streamlined design offers a high degree of flexibility and comfort for extended use. The unique twin low-profile filters reduce breathing resistance and improve weapon sighting and weight distribution, all of which enable the troops to perform optimally in their roles.’