Avon Protection announced that its strategic partner, Promoteq, has been awarded a seven-year framework contract from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for Avon Protection’s advanced respiratory protection. 

The £8 million contract includes FM54 masks, CS-PAPRs, and ST54 SCBA units, plus spares and accessories. Based on the contract, first deliveries will begin in 2023 and run through the end of the year.

According to the manufacturer, the FM54 masks provide specialist operators maximum protection against CBRN threats, Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), and Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs), while maintaining user flexibility as mission profiles change. 

The FM54 masks function in both negative and positive pressure modes due to an enhanced lever located on the Variable Resistance Exhalation Unit (VREU), that allows the user to switch modes from positive to negative pressure without changing masks.

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The FM54 masks are designed to be connected to ST54 Tactical Operator SCBA units.

The said system is the base of a multi-mission respiratory protection system, which provides operational flexibility to the operator in the field.

The ST54 SCBA combines FM54 masks with new and innovative modular breathing apparatus technology to provide positive pressure capabilities either from SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and/or PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator). 

The ST54 system provides the operator with total flexibility to select the necessary level of protection quickly and efficiently without impacting operational effectiveness, while the system incorporates non-reflective black components and a warning whistle, which can be silenced.

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The ST54 system may incorporate in turn a CS-PAPR unit.

The CS-PAPR (Combination System Powered Air Purifying Respirator) is the newest generation of Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) against CBRN agents designed for use in Combination Unit Respirators. 

The previous Multi-Position Powered Air Purifying Respirator (MP-PAPR) module along with the patented combination hose module allows the user to seamlessly switch between APR, PAPR, and SCBA modes of protection. 

The single-sided air hose connection for all modes leaves one side of the face clear, so the user can easily sight a weapon. In addition, the low-profile shape of the CS-PAPR delivers reduced weight and size compared to conventional systems.

The capability to change levels of protection dependent on the threat now provides the user with increased duration on target and safer operation.

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