The United States has ordered the MITR respiratory system from the British manufacturer Avon Protection for its special operations forces, according to the company.
The order from the Department of War covers the MITR-M1 half mask and the MITR-PG1 powered goggle, together with particulate and riot filters and integrated helmet and communication accessories.
Avon’s argument for the system is that a full-face respirator is more protection than a tactical operator needs most of the time, and slower to put on when they do. The MITR arrangement protects eyes, nose and mouth separately, letting users scale up during fast-moving missions.
The half mask carries NIOSH certification and a flush-fitting curved profile that preserves weapon sighting, with voice amplification for communications, and it clips directly to a helmet through a mount kit so it can be donned without taking the helmet off. The goggle constantly purges air, resists fogging and works with combat helmets and night vision systems.
Both filters give NIOSH P100 protection, removing more than 99.97 per cent of harmful airborne particulates, with the riot filter adding an activated carbon layer for riot agent vapour.
Steve Elwell, president of Avon Protection, said: “This award culminates nearly four years of working collaboratively with end-users developing a solution that meets their mission requirements. Securing the U.S. DoW as another customer for the MITR System demonstrates continued focus on protecting the health of personnel, both in the short-term and the long-term.
“For tactical operators, MITR is not just about protection during today’s mission, it is about reducing lifetime exposure to hazardous particulates that can contribute to long-term health issues and helping ensure those who serve remain healthy long after their careers end. This award represents an important step in bringing this capability to a wider community of users.”
The United States is the second Five Eyes nation to take the MITR-M1, following Canada in May.
Avon Protection is part of Avon Technologies, and its chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection products are in use by more than four million people worldwide. The company is based in Melksham in Wiltshire, with the MITR announcement datelined from its facility in Cadillac, Michigan.
