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The Avon FM53 protective mask is the Foreign Military version of the U.S. M53. The FM53 is described as a multi-role Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) System which has been developed specifically for specialist applications where the user needs to respond to ever changing operational conditions. The FM53 differs from standard military respirators as it offers both positive pressure SCBA, PAPR and negative pressure APR/capability. All of these capabilities are available from one mask platform without the need to change components. The facepiece is available in left, right or twin port filter configurations.
The FM53 system was developed to address the multiple threats encountered on the modern battlefield, war on terrorism and peace keeping operations around the world. It provides protection against traditional chemical and biological warfare agents, select Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs) and particulate matter, including radioactive dust threats to the operator. The FM53 meets the unique requirements of special operations units, such as first responders (hazmat and CBRN), law enforcement, decontamination teams, clandestine drug lab entry and remediation, specialist entry teams, chemical spill clean-up, bio identification and clean up, SWAT teams, bomb squads, specialist correctional officers, and FBI.
Users[]
The mask has been adopted worldwide by Special Forces, other specialist military units, police forces and multiple first responders. In 2009 the FM53 received industrial NIOSH approval under Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84 (42 CFR 84) for the FM53 Air Purifying Respirator with the CTF12 riot agent canister.
Kit[]
The FM53 is issued in a black rectangular storage bag with a zipped lid. Contents include the FM53 facepiece fitted to a universal sized faceformer sealed in a clear plastic bag, a manual, proprietary filter plug key and filter.
Overview[]
Facepiece[]
The facepiece is made of chlorobutyl rubber-silicone blend, the chlorobutyl content of the rubber formulation is advertised to restrict permeability to chemical agents. The facepiece has a embossed letter L,M ,S or XS on the facepiece just above the left eye indicating size as large, medium, small or extra small. Nasal cups are similarly sized large, medium, small and extra small and can be up or down sized by one size and is designed to fit 98% of the user population. The facepiece is provided with a reflex facial seal incorporating a chin cup with integrated moisture drainage. Low profile harness buckles, extended chip flap and a low profile brow ensure compatibility with protective helmets and CBRN protective clothing. The panoramic polyurethane visor is triple bonded, flexible, plus scratch and impact resistant.. The mask is issued with a universal sized plastic face form which is designed to help the facepiece maintains its shape.
From early 2008/ early 2009 the facepiece would usually have an Avon dated roundel stamped on the inside face of the cheek confirming date of facepiece manufacture. It was noted on Inspecting various kits that the date stamp on the rubber face piece stamp could vary considerably from the issue date marked on the packaging. For example 2014 dated kits could have facepieces manufactured in 2011.
Head harness[]
The head harness is 6 point with low profile brow pads with Velcro which eliminate pressure points. The four lower buckles differ as they are low profile metal compared to plastic buckles on the other 50 series masks. Once adjusted to wearer, only the bottom two straps need adjusted during donning. The cradle is a Lycra material for comfort and can be machine washable up to 10 times.
Variable Resistance Exhalation Unit (VREU)[]
The mask comes with a switch on the front of the variable resistance exhalation unit (VREU), rotating the switch increases the pressure acting on the exhale valve and therefore allowing use for APR, CCBA, SCBA & PAPR. An upgrade included a additional clip on lever to allow use of the switch without having to remove the VPU.
Voice Projection Unit (VPU)[]
For enhanced communications, an optional Voice Projection Unit (VPU) can be clipped and rotated over the exhale cover and plugged into the the front electronic communication port (ECP). A 3 pin internal microphone needs to be installed and is used in conjunction with the VPU. The VPU is powered by 1 CR123 Lithium battery and is turned on and off with a lever switch on the front face of the VPU housing. Currently there are two production models of VPU in circulation the older 'Gen 1' and updated 'Gen 2'. Although very similar, visually the Gen 2 can be identified by a lower profile battery cover.
Additional external communications systems such as a microphone and headset can be attached via a pass through comms port on the VPU. This allows the mask to use both the VPU and external comms at one time.
Filters[]
The mask is designed to use 40mm NATO filters and Avon supplies the following filters that are compatible with the FM53:
- CFP100 (P/N 605915-01/02) NIOSH Certified P100 All particulate hazards including dust, fume, bacteria and virus.
- CSCF50 (P/N 72601/71/4) Riot Control All particulate hazards including dust, fume, bacteria and virus, plus riot agent and CN.
- CTCF50 (P/N 72606/3) NIOSH certified to 42CFR84 approval number TC-14G-0323. Riot Control Removal of aerosols, particulate matter, smoke, fumes and vapours. Specifically designed for removal of tear gases including CS, CN and OC pepper spray.
- MILCF50 (P/N 72604/3) NATO CBRN filter canister designed to meet the EUROPEAN STANDARD, EN 14387 (A2B2E2K1 P3), and chemical and biological warfare agents in aerosols, liquid and vapour form.
- CBRNCF50 (P/N 72601/2) NIOSH Certified CBRN CAP 1 Approval number TC-14G-0319. All particulate hazards including dust, mist, fume, bacteria and virus plus all NIOSH specified CBRN gases and vapors including nerve, blood, choking and blister agents and toxic industrial materials. CBRNCF50 CE 604009 CE Approved EN14387:04 A1 B2 E1 K1 P3 Dual classification for industrial and CBRN applications. All particulate hazards including dust, mist, fume, bacteria and virus plus all vapours including nerve, blood, choking and blister agents and toxic industrial materials
Carrier[]
The FM53 is usually paired with either Avons Universal Carrier [1]or Series 50 carrier. The universal carrier is available in 4 colours, black (P/N 70021/33/1), green (P/N 70021/33/2), DPM (P/N 70021/33/3) & US Desert Digi Cam (P/N 70021/33/4). The Universal Carrier is manufactured from polyester with a polyurethane lining for water resistance and includes a shoulder strap.
Accessories[]
Vision correction assembly (P/N 70501/155) allows for prescription lenses to be fitted compatible with all masks within the 50 series[2]. For twin filter variants a proprietary key is provided to remove the the filter plug. The plug key is a dark grey/black colour compared to the light grey for the C50 key.
Flexible polycarbonate outserts are available that easily attaches to the 50 series Provide additional eye protection Protect mask visor from wear, abrasions, scratches and also give Improved ballistics resistance. Users can fit and remove the outsert quickly while wearing mask. The outserts are provided within a soft cloth pouch for storage and lens cleaning. The left hand leg of outsert is stamped with a date roundel. The following outserts are available:
- CLEAR (P/N 70501-156) Clear outsert is for improved ballistic resistance and prevention of wear to primary polyurethane visor.
- BLUEBLOCKER (P/N 70501-158) BlueBlocker outsert is for specialist use to improve weapon sighting by filtering out blue light wavelengths to deliver a sharper image. This outsert is ideal for snipers.
- SUNLIGHT (P/N 70501-157) Sunlight outsert is for protection against high level UV light and flash flare. The outsert hides the wearers eyes to provide a psychological advantage in a threat scenario.
- MIRRORED (P/N 71014-14) Mirrored outsert is for protection of UV light and improve contrast and depth perception. In addition, they hide the wearers eyes while reflecting the surroundings to provide psychological advantage in a threat situation.
- BREACH (P/N 70501-688) Shade 5 Breach outsert provides eye protection for specialist operators while deploying a cutting torch.
- LASER (P/N 72601-29) Laser outsert is for the removal of harmful laser wavelengths commonly produced by laser sighted weapons.
Drinking System[]
The Drinking system uses the regular Avon style drinking port and canteen cap, the same type that can be found on all Avon systems since the introduction of the S10. The drinking tube itself is longer than other types and it's operated via a small leaver mounted to the front of the mask connected to the shut-off valve, which is activated when the leaver is turned up and deactivated (allowing use of the drinking system) when turned down. The drinking system is pressure fitted to the mask. The lever is attached to a tube that ends in a spigot where the inner drinking straw is attached to, when not in use this straw is moved to the side. The straw has been redesigned compared to the other 50 Series masks, with a more ergonomic swept curve. Generally two types of canteen are used the older Osprey type 58 canteen with a rounder profile, and the more rectangular Dutch canteen. As with the older FM12 masks the FM53 can be used in conjunction with the Police hydration vests with chemically hardened CBRN Camelbak reservoir. Using the mask with the Camelbak reservoir a type 'A' adapter is needed.
Variants[]
The ST53 utilizes the FM53 facepiece and is combined with a choice of either a short (seven or 14 minutes) or long duration (up to approximately 60 minutes) compressed air cylinders. The kit allows for the user to enter a location on using a filter in APR mode, assess the situation, and then change to SCBA mode if the needed arises without having to leave and change equipment.
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Gallery[]
