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.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Czech government developing a plan for air defence beyond 2030 alongside NATO integration]()
Czech government developing a plan for air defence beyond 2030 alongside NATO integration
The Czech Armed Forces is set to receive four Israeli-made SPYDER long-range missile defence systems, the first of which was delivered earlier this year. They will be a key part of the country’s multilayered air defence system.
-
![Bidders for Australia’s long-range fires requirement push development of offerings]()
Bidders for Australia’s long-range fires requirement push development of offerings
Lockheed Martin is competing against a joint Kongsberg and Thales team to meet Australia’s requirement for a land-based, long-range fires system to protect Australia’s northern approaches. Both bidders have announced recent developments on associated missiles.
-
![How AI and robotics drive innovation in land-based defence]()
How AI and robotics drive innovation in land-based defence
The future on the frontlines: automation and AI isn’t just about improving efficiency or driving down labour cost - for Pearson Engineering it’s everything.
-
![How do land and air defense forces defend against complex threats?]()
How do land and air defense forces defend against complex threats?
Learn how RTX systems defend against complex attacks from adversaries including hostile drones, and multi-range missiles.
-
![Hundreds of Boxers with Puma turrets ordered for Dutch and German forces]()
Hundreds of Boxers with Puma turrets ordered for Dutch and German forces
The order is for 270 vehicles, 222 of which are infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) known as Schakal (Jackal), which integrates the advanced Puma IFV RCT30 turret onto the Boxer chassis.
-
![AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system]()
AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system
The aerospace company showed a model of its new mobile howitzer at AUSA in Washington, where a representative told Shephard more about its design.
