Surplus Avon FM50 Chemical & Biological Gas Mask

The Avon FM50 Chemical/Biological Gas Mask is a military-grade respiratory protection system designed by Avon Protection, specifically as the export version of the U.S. military’s M50 Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM). It is engineered to provide robust defense against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, as well as toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). The FM50 is widely used by military forces, special operations units, and select law enforcement agencies globally. Below is a detailed description of the FM50, covering its design, features, performance, and operational use.

The FM50 is a full-face, negative-pressure air-purifying respirator designed for tactical and battlefield use. It was developed as part of Avon Protection’s M50 series, which replaced older U.S. military masks like the M40 and MCU-2/P series. The FM50 is nearly identical to the M50 but is tailored for international markets, offering compatibility with NATO-standard filters and slight modifications for export compliance. It is optimized for extended wear in CBRN environments, providing enhanced comfort, visibility, and integration with military equipment.

The FM50, when paired with appropriate filters (e.g., CBRNCF50), provides comprehensive protection against:

• Chemical Agents: Nerve agents (e.g., Sarin, VX), blister agents (e.g., mustard gas), blood agents (e.g., cyanogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide), and choking agents (e.g., phosgene, chloropicrin).
• Biological Agents: Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, filtered through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) media in compatible filters.
• Radiological and Nuclear Particulates: Radioactive dust and fallout particles, captured by the filter’s particulate layer.
• Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs): Protection against industrial hazards like ammonia, chlorine, and organic vapors, depending on the filter used.
• Riot Control Agents: When paired with combination filters like the CTCF50, the FM50 protects against tear gases (CS, CN) and pepper spray (OC).

The mask’s chlorobutyl rubber facepiece and tight seal ensure no ingress of contaminants, even in high-concentration CBRN environments. Protection duration depends on the filter used, typically rated for at least 24 hours in battlefield conditions.