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.
More from Land Warfare
-
Japan orders THeMIS UGVs
Milrem’s Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) is a modular, multimission, hybrid UGV. The current fifth-generation model incorporates knowledge gained during tests in the US, Europe and the Middle East, as well as during field-deployment in Mali in the French-led Operation Barkhane.
-
GDELS rolls out Piranha HMC
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) MOWAG has introduced the Piranha Heavy Mission Carrier (10x10), an enhanced version of its Piranha armoured vehicle series, featuring increased payload capacity and specialised configurations for diverse battlefield roles.
-
NATO orders more 155mm ammunition
The contract, in the triple-digit million euro range, includes high explosive extended range projectiles, modular charges, fuzes and primers.
-
US deploys Mid-Range Capability missile defence system to the Philippines
Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile defence system has leveraged Lockheed Martin’s expertise with two in-service USN systems: the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) and the Aegis Weapon System.
-
USMC narrows down field for light loitering munition requirement
The US Marine Corps selected a team of UVision and Mistral to meet a requirement for Organic Precision Fires Mounted (OPF-M) loitering munition in 2021. It has now awarded contracts for the soldier carried light (OPF-L) version after the success of similar systems in Ukraine highlighted the potential for such weapons.