S-6 NBC Respirator

The S6 NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) Respirator was a British gas mask introduced in 1966, developed for use by the British Armed Forces. It was designed to replace the earlier S5 respirator, offering improved protection, comfort, and a better field of vision. The S6 became the standard-issue gas mask for the United Kingdom during the Cold War and remained in active service until it began to be phased out in the early 1990s, eventually being replaced by the S10 respirator.

The development of the S6 respirator was overseen by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), specifically under the guidance of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down. These institutions were responsible for research and development relating to chemical and biological warfare protection. The final design was a collaboration between military scientists and defense contractors.

Manufacturing of the S6 was carried out primarily by Avon Rubber, a British company specializing in respiratory protection equipment. Avon Rubber had long-standing contracts with the MoD and was known for producing high-quality protective gear for military and civilian use. The S6 featured a single filter canister mounted on the side (usually the left), a voice diaphragm, and a water intake valve in later models, allowing soldiers to drink without removing the mask.

The S6 served the British military through several conflicts, including The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Falklands War, and it played a critical role in maintaining NBC readiness throughout the Cold War.