USAF gets processed M50 masks
The United States Air Force (USAF) military personnel have started receiving processed and approved M50 gas masks that are evaluated as 99.99 percent serviceable through its new mask inspection and repair programme, the service announced on 4 May.
The M50 joint service general purpose masks protect Airmen from chemical and biological agents as well as radioactive fallout particles.
Under the programme, about 19,000 masks were broken down, inspected, cleaned, sanitised, repaired, reassembled and tested.
The programme now expects to process about 8,000 masks a month.
As part of the programme, the masks are scanned at each station with defects or annotations by technicians. A report is generated from these scans that allow Air Force Civil Engineer Center to track defects and locations to determine any points of failure along the way.
Using specialised equipment and cleaning solution, each mask is washed to clean off any built up residue. The masks are then sanitised and placed into a temperature-controlled drying room for 24 hours to remove all moisture.
The mask is then tested for leaks before being reassembled and sent to the field to be issued to Airmen. Installations receiving these masks are now swapping them out with masks they had in stock and shipping them to Georgia to receive depot-level maintenance.
More from Military Logistics
-
![Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine]()
Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine
New contract to support the Ardour turbofan is worth more than $1 billion.
-
![Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations]()
Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
-
![General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels]()
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
The latest $1.4 billion contract modification for General Dynamics NASSCO covers a new Expeditionary Sea Base ship and two more John Lewis-class fleet oilers.
-
![Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements]()
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
-
![SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers]()
SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers
A systems integration contract for UK RN submarines is being extended to major surface vessels.
-
![USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships]()
USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 …
