The M50 series protective maskconsisting of the M50 and M51 variants, officially known as the Joint Service General Protective Mask is a lightweight, protective mask system consisting of the mask, a mask carrier, and additional accessories. The mask was designed to incorporate state-of-the-art technologies to protect United States Armed Forces and allied forces from current and anticipated threats from all types of weapons of mass destruction. It is an above-the-neck, chemical-biological respirator that protects against battlefield concentrations of CB agents, toxins, toxic industrial materials and radioactive particulate matter. The M50/51 masks replace the M40 field protective maskM40 and M42, MCU-2/P series masks and the M45 of the Land Warrior Program. There are two mask variants: M50 and M51.
History
The M50 series mask entered into service in December 2009.
Description
The M50 series is certified to MIL-SPEC PRF-EA-10003. The mask design features improved performance against chemical and biological agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and nuclear fallout. The dual, low profile filters reduce weight and bulk while reducing breathing resistance by fifty percent over the M40 series mask. The filters incorporate a shelf-life indicator patch which changes colors from white to blue when the filters are no longer serviceable. The mask face blank incorporates self sealing filter mounts that allow for filter changes in a contaminated environment. The single element eye lens gives the mask a 96 degree field of view and improved compatibility with military equipment and battlefield optical systems. The drinking system of the mask allows for greater liquid flow however, is not compatible with previous drinking systems. Consequently, the mask is normally issued with an M50 series compatible canteen cap. The lifetime ownership cost of the mask was reduced by fifty percent when compared with the M40 series mask due to a lower repair part count, all maintenance being completed at the operator and unit level and color coding of repair parts which decreased on-hand repair part inventory.
