Avon advances warfare protection gear

Melksham, UK – Avon Protection has developed a new range of products to protect military personnel operating in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) environments, the UK manufacturer has announced.

The new range includes the Exoskin-B1 high traction boots and Exoskin-G1 tactile CBRN gloves, said Avon in a 13 June statement.

To enhance tactical agility, the Exoskin-G1 glove has been designed to allow for the handling and operation of electronic touch screen devices.

The ambidextrous glove features a rubberised outer layer textured to maintain grip in wet conditions, with “an intelligent, seamless inner knitted liner” that has a conductive tip on both the thumb and forefinger.

The Exoskin-B1 boot is claimed to provide improved durability and agility in the field, with quick-release straps to secure the garment over standard footwear.

The boot features a “highly textured” sole which is claimed to improve the wearer’s manoeuvrability in all underfoot conditions. The design, added Avon, is 100% leak tested.

based on Avon's 'rubber technology', both the glove and boot offer chemical warfare agent and toxic industrial chemical protection and are impermeable to biological agents.

They are also designed for “quick donning and doffing” and integrate with many protective suit ensembles.

“Many nations have become more aware of the CBRN threats faced on the modern battlefield as we continue to see nerve agents and chemical weapons deployed in the field,” said Steve Elwell, VP Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia for Avon Protection.

In developing the Exoskin range, he went on to say, the focus was to optimise end-user versatility "in the most demanding environments."

The new range of boots and gloves supplements Avon’s CBRN respiratory protection products.