Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
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
-
![Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth]()
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options]()
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
![NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
-
![NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks]()
NATO FUSE exercise plays out real-world scenario in the face of eastern border risks
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
-
![Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces]()
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
