New XM50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask. Best Military Gas Mask Ever?

Avon Rubber, based in England, has won a contract for the U.S. Army’s next generation chemical/biological protection respirator, i.e. gas mask. The XM50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) incorporates some very advanced technologies including reduced breathing resistance(estimated at 50%), improved vision, and greater comfort. Not only does the XM50 JSGPM incorporate the most advanced filters currently available on any mask, but the eye protection/optical element of the mask…is also highly advanced. Unfortunately DefRev does not have permission at this point to divulge any of the particulars of this last aspect, but it’s pretty impressive. All of this goes into making the XM50 JSGPM one very impressive chem/bio protection mask for both our standard infantry forces and, most likely, our elite Special Operations/Counterterrorism units. We don’t know if the new mask will be made available to LE SWAT teams, but we’re guessing that they’re definitely going to want them.

It goes without saying(but I’m going to say it anyway) that the XM50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) will most likely be a highly restricted item and will thus not be available to civilians for a very, very long time, if ever–which is unfortunate. If you would like to see some pics of the mask and read more about it, please click on the links below.

Article on XM50 JSGPM: "Mask Cuts Breathing Effort"

XM50 JSGPM info on SBCCOM site

Avon Rubber 2002 Press Release for XM50 JSGPM

Product Director Respiratory Protecion Systems Brochure (PDF File)

Longer PDF of previous brochure

DoD Solicitation for JSGPM

Another Avon Rubber press release on the XM50 JSGPM.