Avon launches new warfare protection gear

MELKSHAM, U.K.—Avon Protection P.L.C. has developed a new range of products to protect military personnel operating in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) environments.

The new range includes the Exoskin-B1 high traction boots and Exoskin-G1 tactile CBRN gloves, the United Kingdom-based manufacturer said in a June 13 news release.

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 rubberized 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 maneuverability in all underfoot conditions. The design, Avon added, is 100-percent 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, vice president of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia for Avon Protection.

In developing the Exoskin range, he continued, the focus was to optimize end-user versatility "in the most demanding environments."

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