US Army orders 3M M61 Respiratory Mask Canisters

3M Defense will supply M61 Respiratory Mask Canisters to the US Army under an order placed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, announced on 10 November.

The lightweight canister is an integral part of the new M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) and companion M51 Combat Vehicle Mask, which are used by all branches of US military.

The M61 canister uses filter technology to protect troops against a wide range of respiratory threats beyond conventional military hazards, including toxic industrial chemicals and gases that troops could be exposed to during counter-terror and natural-disaster response missions. The canister is lighter weight than its predecessor.

The M50 and M51 masks’ dual-canister designs also enable users to replace each of the M61 canisters while maintaining a protected breathing environment, allowing troops to remain in active operations for a longer period. The M61 canister uses a bed of adsorbent carbon material and a functional bottom retainer to adsorb and remove a wide range of chemical, biological and radiological threats.

Glenn Long, business development manager, 3M Canada, said: ‘The 3M M61 canister combines the latest filter technologies with four decades of 3M respiratory expertise, providing optimal troop protection without impacting tactical agility. The use of dual 3M M61 canisters on the M50 and M51 masks reduces breathing resistance, enhancing both troop safety and performance.’

The $3 million order was awarded under an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract issued in December 2011. 3M Canada will manufacture the M61 canisters, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by February 2015.