DESCRIPTION
The Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM) is a family of above-the-neck, Chemical and Biological (CB) respirators that protects against battlefield concentrations of CB agents, toxins, toxic industrial materials and radioactive particulate matter. The family consists of the M50 (ground use), M51 (ground vehicle use), M53 (Special Forces) and M53A1 (domestic and military use). The M50/M51 masks replace the M40 and M42, MCU2/P series masks and the M45 in the Land Warrior Program. The M53A1 can be used in either Air-Purifying Respirator, Powered Air Purifying Respirator, or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus mode, and is the first mask to be approved for both domestic response (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health certified) and military missions.
BENEFIT TO THE SOLDIER
JSGPM provides the warfighter with face, eye and respiratory protection from battlefield concentrations of CB agents, toxins, toxic industrial materials and radiological particulate matter.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall field-of-view is greater than or equal to 80 percent
- Improved compatibility with current and emerging CB garments
Improvements over the MCU2/P, M40/M42 and M45:
- Reduced weight and bulk
- Increased drinking capability
- Improved mask carrier system
- Filter service life indicator capability
- Flame resistant hood for combat vehicle version
- Improved reliability and improved comfort
- Filter change-out in a contaminated environment (self-sealing valve)
- More than 24 hours of above-the-neck protection from CB agents and radioactive particles
- More than 50 percent improvement in breathing resistance compared to legacy masks
PROGRAM STATUS
FY16-FY18:
- Ongoing Production of M50/M51 to support Army Full Operational Capability (FOC)
- Ongoing Fielding of M50/M51 masks to Army units
PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
2QFY19: Anticipate achievement of M53A1 Initial Operational Capability
4QFY19: Anticipate achievement of M50/M51 FOC
4QFY22: Anticipate achievement of M53A1 FOC
