The new M53 NBC Mask is entering service with US Special Operations Units, having received full approval from the US Government last year. Developed by Avon Protection, a division of Avon Rubber plc, the M53 is now in full rate production at the company’s US facility in Cadillac, Michigan.

The M53 will be on display at IDEX on the Avon Protection stand no 2115.

The M53 is based on the M50 mask Avon Protection is supplying to meet the US Government Joint Services General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) requirement for all four US military forces. The M53 has been developed to meet the specific requirements of Special Operations Units to protect against the multiple threats encountered in modern war fighting and peacekeeping operations.   It provides high protection against traditional chemical warfare agents, radioactive dusts and biological threats.

Since the award of the prestigious US contract, the M53 is expected to be fielded elsewhere in the world, having attracted interest from specialist CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) users in a number of countries.  

Using the latest digital design techniques and Avon’s unique rubber compounds, the M53 has been specifically designed to improve integration with ancillary equipment. 

It boasts a new face seal with either a right or left handed filter mount to give the best possible sighting position for shoulder-mounted weapons. The new polyurethane visor is highly flexible plus scratch and impact resistant and the panoramic visor design provides maximum field of vision and wearer recognition whilst enhancing compatibility with weapon sights.   The Vision Correction System allows lens prescription to be mounted inside the mask. Sunlight outserts are available for high intensity light situations and clear outserts for extreme environments. The harness and buckles provide comfortable integration with combat helmets and communication headsets. The drinking facility offers improved liquid uptake and fail-safe operation compatible with both conventional canteens and other types of drinking systems.

The M53 features a new patented twin exhalation valve providing the capability to use the mask with all recognised forms of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). The M53 will function as a conventional negative pressure mask as well as with a range of SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) and CCBA (Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus). This is achieved without the need to remove or change any components.

The M53 is offered with a fully integrated, lightweight NBC hood, available in all four sizes and using the latest materials, providing full head and neck protection. The hood can be easily and efficiently attached to the mask and stored in the carrier. A new Voice Projection Unit (VPU) offers enhanced speech performance.  Connected to an internal microphone through a fully sealed electronic communication port located in the front of the mask, this connection can also be used for other communication devices.