Via AtomCentral we bring you a Cold War-era Strategic Air Command training film about nuclear effects concerns of combat aircrew conducting Emergency War Order Single Integrated Operation Plan missions. Produced by Lookout Mountain Labs for the Air Force.
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. —
The Steadfast Line continues to adapt for relevancy, most recently with the U-28A Draco fleet adopting new aircrew flight equipment (AFE) in the near future at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
The M69 Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) replaces the Mask Breath Unit-19P Aircrew Eye and Respiratory Protection assembly and is designed to provide ocular and respiratory protection from Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear hazards.
“This new mask allows improved mobility and enhanced protection,” said an AFE specialist assigned to the 27th Special Operation Wing. “The reliability of this new equipment will be critical for our U-28A crews if they find themselves operating in a contested environment.”
The JSAM is already in service on other non-ejection seat, fixed-wing aircraft, including the MC-130J Commando II and AC-130J Ghostrider fleets at Cannon AFB. Once approved for use on the U-28A, the JSAM will join the growing ensemble of next-generation AFE available to the Draco community. This includes the Viking Suit, which improves survivability of aircrew members if they ever are forced to egress in maritime environments, and the Skull Mounting System, which aligns headgear with night vision goggles and other accessories.
“This new protective equipment will enable our U-28 crews to be prepared for tomorrow, adapting for relevancy,” said Col. Robert Johnston, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “We must maintain our competitive advantage, and this new mask is one more way we are staying ready.”
Air Commandos lead the way in delivering innovation – it’s in our DNA.
The AVON MP-PAPR SLEEVE supports AVON PROTECTIONS’ MP-PAPR. The sleeve was designed to be a low profile design using advanced laminate materials The low profile design increases operational performance and flexibility. Tested at Dragon Spear CBRN RDAX 2024 exercise.
The sleeve allows the end user the ability to carry/mount the MP-PAPR multiple ways. The GRIDLOK MOLLE attachment system, removable harness system and/or sling/belt style. This provides multi-faceted operations for military, law enforcement, first responders, and the responsible citizen.
The MP-PAPR SLEEVE cover provides a way to cover the filters/battery powered air flow system to improve the camouflage capabilities without affecting the function of the PAPR system. Tube covers are available for different hose lengths.
AVON MP-PAPR – www.beezcombatsystems.com/collections/cbrn-gas-mask-accessories
***all Avon Protection trademarks, brands, etc are the sole property of the respective companies. Avon Protection does not endorse this products***
Advanced, Four-Hour Breathing Apparatus for Federal Government Operations in Extreme Conditions
• Closed-circuit breathing Apparatus
• CO2 Scrubbing Technology
• Prolonged Breathing Comfort
• Customizable Cooling Options
Houston, Texas – March 04, 2025 – Dräger, a global leader in safetytechnology, proudly unveils the NIOSH-certified ProAir, an advanced closed-circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) designed to provide a continuous oxygen supply for up to four hours. Leveraging over a century of expertise in breathing apparatus technology, this innovative solution is set to transform Federal Government operations in hazardous environments, including below-deck ship incidents, confined spaces, subterranean operations, and HAZMAT operations.
The ProAir can enhance operational readiness for federal agencies, including the armed forces, law enforcement, emergency responders, and environmental protection agencies. By providing an uninterrupted oxygen supply, the ProAir enables personnel to focus on high-risk situations, such as search and rescue missions, decontamination efforts, and HAZMAT response, alongside other critical tasks.
David Warnacut, U.S. Marine and Dräger Product Manager, states, “In high-stakes operations, having dependable and effective equipment is essential. The ProAir provides access to safe, breathable oxygen for extended periods across various operations. This enduring commitment underscores Dräger’s dedication to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of our Federal agents and armed forces in the field.”
Dräger BG ProAir
Adding Time to Critical Missions
The ProAir represents a significant advancement in personal safety gear, providing extended respiratory protection under some of the most challenging conditions. Designed to complement traditional SCBAs, the ProAir maximizes operational capabilities by eliminatingthe need for frequent cylinder changes during prolonged engagements. This additional time helps federal personnel to consolidate focus, complete intricate tasks without interruption, confidently navigate lengthy routes, and handle emergencies without worrying about the clock. By maximizing crucial operational time, the ProAir helpsfederal teams carry out their missions, increasing the safety and efficiency of high-stakes scenarios.
Innovative Scrubbing and Cooling Technology
The ProAir incorporates a proprietary carbon dioxide scrubber embedded in a positive pressure breathing circuit. This technology efficiently removes carbon dioxide and enriches the air with oxygen, removing the reliance on bulky air cylinders. The new RFID chip on the canister enables the ProAir to track the soda lime’s life.
Expanding its versatility, the ProAir introduces two advanced cooling options: the Ice Cooler with durable ice packs and the groundbreaking Phase Change Material (PCM) system, making its debut in North America. The Ice Cooler offers an improved user experience by containing the melted water inside the ice pack. Meanwhile, the PCM system utilizes paraffin wax sheets that require no freezing, offeringenhanced readiness and reliability, marking a significant advancement in CCBA technology.
Securing the Lower Decks
The ProAir extends operational time for responders handling below-deck emergencies, where rapid response and sustained action are critical. Its advanced air management system helps service membershandle long and hazardous tasks effectively, reducing risks from exposure to smoke and harmful fumes. This is crucial for maintaining crew safety and readiness during a maritime crisis, giving additional time to address hazards and navigate complex below-deck configurations.
Confined Space and Sub-T Operations
The ProAir excels in subterranean (Sub-T) environments, where confined spaces and hazardous air conditions can pose significant risks. This solution helps personnel breathe safely and in underground facilities, tunnels, and passageways, allowing teams to execute intricate maneuvers, navigate treacherous terrains, and respond to emergencies confidently. Its robust, extended air supply minimizes the need for frequent cylinder changes, offering continuous protection.
HAZMAT Resilience
The ProAir is purpose-built to help counter HAZMAT threats, providing critical breathing protection during attacks, rescue missions, decontamination, and containment operations. Unlike traditional SCBAs that are limited to 45-60 minutes, the ProAir extends operational time with up to four hours of breathable air, reducing cylinder changeovers and minimizing downtime. This added capacity allows responders to remain in hazardous environments for extended periods, supporting sustained containment, decontamination, and cleanup efforts while improving overall operational efficiency.
Innovative Features for Enhanced Performance:
• Withstands Flames: The ProAir endures direct exposure to flames up to 1,742°F, meeting the highest safety and performance standards.
• Boosts Visibility: Enhances team awareness with Buddy Lights displaying cylinder pressure.
• Handles Extremes: Built to resist high temperatures, dust, debris, and sparks while ensuring agility with advanced ergonomic relief.
• Simplifies Maintenance: Easy, tool-free disassembly and servicing of the CCBA.
• Delivers Instant Updates: View critical supply status and alerts—such as cylinder pressure and time to whistle—on the palm-sized Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
• Enhances Communication: Stay connected with integrated radio features and voice amplification for clear communication in challenging environments.
• Tracks Usage: Leverage the built-in RFID chip to monitor soda lime life and streamline maintenance.
For more information, please visit the Dräger BG ProAir webpage.
Crye Precision continues to innovate with multiple new garments.
First up is the new Low Burden CBRN Suit which was developed in conjunction with foreign SOF. Due to the ITAR restrictions associated with this garment, it will not be on the Crye website.
Based on the G4 silhouette, the Jacket is available in sizes XSmall – 3XLarge in Short, Regular, Long, and XLong and Pant in 26″ – 46″, Short, Regular, and Long.
Features:
Jacket:
1. Elastic bound hood opening, with interior elastic tunnel
2. Helmet accessible hood adjustment
3. Off-center front zipper opening with low profile Velcro flap
4. G4 style zippered shoulder pockets
5. Adjustable back waist tunnel with Velcro tabs
6. Adjustable cuff closure
7. Elastic waist tunnel
8. Carbon cuff
Pants:
1. Hand pockets removed
2. Velcro and zippered fly
3. Zippered opening cargo pockets
4. Velcro adjustable waist tab
5. Accepts AIRFLEX FIELD and COMBAT KNEEPAD
6. Carbon gaiter
Interested organizations should contact Crye directly for additional performance tech data.
Next is a version of the G3 uniform in Grey for the British Prison Service which integrates cut resistant panels.
This is the G4 Aviation Field Shirt and Aviation Combat Pant. What’s interesting is the Final Forge Rotary Wing Advanced Tactical Helmet is fitted with a ballistic appliqué.
Crye developed this MultiCam Alpine Uniform for a DoD client. Although it uses the G3 silhouette, the fabric is 100% nylon from their hot weather uniform line.
Much to my joy, the Roll Up Dump Pouch is finally available.
There are a few other goodies coming and I’ll see what else they’ll let me share this week.
January 21st 2025, Cadillac, Michigan, USA: Avon Protection is pleased to introduce the newest addition to its portfolio of market-leading personal protective equipment, the MITR-M1 Half Mask, for Special Operations, military and first responder personnel operating in low- to mid-level threat environments. MITR-M1 is now available for pre-order.
MITR-M1 has been designed to fill a critical capability gap between lower protection/single-use masks and traditional full-face respirators. With a lightweight (0.55lbs/250g) and low-profile design, MITR-M1 can be carried in cargo pockets or gear pouches. It gives operators a low burden, ever-ready solution that can be quickly donned in tactical and fast-evolving situations where respiratory threats may be present.
The MITR-PF1 particle filter incorporates a low-profile, pleated element that provides 99.97% filtration efficiency against very fine dust, fumes, biological agents, and oil- and water-based mists. Further combination filters effective against riot control agents and TIC’s will be available later this year.
MITR-M1 has been developed as a tactical half mask solution to ensure user comfort and maintain optimised breathing efficiency during operations. It is manufactured from proven military pedigree materials; with a sleek flush-fitting, left/right configurable mounted filter with a curved profile that ensures compatibility with other tactical gear and maintains weapons sighting ability.
Steve Elwell, President of Avon Protection, said. “With the launch of MITR-M1, Avon Protection reinforces its position as the world leader in respiratory protection for users across the full law enforcement, military and first responder spectrum. In addition to our range of high-threat CBRN full-face respirators, we can now offer a much-needed tactical half mask solution for those needing always-ready protection in fast developing environments where seconds count.”
“MITR-M1 embodies the integration-led design ethos of our range of personal protective equipment, fitting seamlessly into existing tactical gear ensembles, allowing the wearer to get on with the mission with minimum distraction and get home safely.”
MITR-M1 is the first phase of a new tactical ensemble that will grow during 2025 to include innovative, adaptable head attachment variants. Initially launching with a head harness solution, later this year Avon Protection will launch a helmet clip solution that will enable users to attach the half mask to their helmet rail in seconds without the need to remove the helmet. This ensures the user’s head is always protected. The ensemble will be further complimented in late 2025 with the introduction of a power-sealed goggle apparatus to allow users to scale their protection as required.
The MITR-M1 Half Mask is on display at SHOT Show 2025 on booth #62307.
For further information, please visit www.avon-protection.com.
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Tyndall Air Force Base is taking a proactive step in increasing its combat readiness by implementing the use of aircrew chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear equipment. Known as aircrew CBRN equipment, this specialized gear is essential in ensuring the protection and readiness of the personnel operating the aircraft against any threats that adversaries may use.
The 325th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment Flight (AFE) has set a personal deadline of February 2025 to have current and new pilots fitted and trained with how to wear their new equipment properly, ensuring pilots are always mission ready.
“We need to be prepared for anything,” said Senior Airman Kaitlin Wells, 325th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman. “That includes having all their equipment sized, fit, inspected, tested and ready so that if something does happen tomorrow, we won’t have limited time to fit up every single pilot to fight a war.”
The aircrew CBRN equipment is specifically designed for the unique requirements of flying in high-performance aircraft. This includes being able to withstand g-force during operations and egress scenarios while also being able to be worn in conjunction with other items, such as the thermal protection layer and cold-water immersion garments. Additionally, this gear integrates respiratory protection directly with the full-body covering, creating a seamless system.
The equipment is so complex that in total, pilots can be expected to add approximately 10-15 lbs. of additional weight while operating with aircrew CBRN equipment.
The fitting and training process is equally as comprehensive. It involves detailed measurements, donning of each piece of equipment and regular fit checks to ensure that pilots can operate properly and safely. Pilots undergo classroom training that covers the basics of the equipment, its purpose and the expectations for the pilots in using and maintaining the gear.
They will also go through practical training, where they will be required to don their gear and process through a chemical line known as Air Crew Contamination Area & Air Crew Contamination Station, which are mock CBRN events that will simulate the process of testing, removing and decontaminating the aircrew CBRN equipment.
The chemical line process must be conducted every three years or whenever a member is newly assigned; however, AFE plans on conducting the process every quarter to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that the pilots maintain knowledge of the workings of their gear.
By providing essential protection, expanding operational reach and enhancing overall readiness, the implementation of aircrew CBRN equipment at Tyndall is a critical step in furthering the base’s combat capabilities and preparing it to face any challenges.
“I think it gets us back to a combat-ready mission, and it makes it to where there are no limitations as to where we can go and where we can take our aircraft to fight the fight, making us a more agile and a more prepared force,” said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Terry, 301st Fighter Squadron flight chief.
Story by Airman 1st Class Asha Wiltshire, 325th Fighter Wing
In a rare occurrence, the USAF has released photos of a WC-135R Constant Phoenix conducting sampling operations in an undisclosed location within the CENTCOM AOR.
WC-135 is the only aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory that conducts air sampling operations and collects particulate and gaseous effluents and debris in the atmosphere in support of the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty which ensures signatory nations adhere to prohibited above ground nuclear weapons testing.
Assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Constant Phoenix is used worldwide to conduct radionuclide baseline flights. The aircraft’s onboard atmospheric collection suite allows mission crew assigned to the Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, to detect radioactive “clouds” in real time through its internal compressor system.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem
