![]() Additionally, some models of the XM45 lacked lens crimping and used glued-in lenses, similar to the M43, while others such as the RPD modified a basic XM44 by adding a shrink-wrapped coating over the lens crimping to better interface with optics and resist debris. Source: Natick Soldier Systems Research & Development Labs.Īs its main intended design purpose was to address the lack of adaptability in previous gas mask designs, multiple hardware variations of the XM44 series facepiece can be noted, including adaptations featuring a basic M40-style voicemitter and an XM33-style outlet valve mic housing (XM45), and some featuring an MCU-2A/P-style voicemitter with integral mic assembly and a basic MCU-2/P outlet valve (XM46). The "Respiratory Protective Device (RPD)" - a Modification of the XM44 assembled for SIPE Trials that added lower-profile lens frames, an M7 Voice Projection Unit (VPU), an Auxiliary Blower Assembly, and a "Hydration Liquid Nutrient (HLN)" Device. The masks came standard with a brown butyl-coated nylon protective hood with integral butyl secondary skin, a pair of lens outserts, a C2 Canister, and occasionally an M15A1 Carrier Bag, similar to that used by the M17 Series. The most unique feature of the XM44 series was its small, elliptical lenses, similar to the M43's, which were positioned close to the eyes to offer peripheral vision while allowing for integration with optical instruments, such as the novel Helmet-Mounted Display Systems being tested during SIPE. It used a sleek, black silicone facepiece with side canister ports, central voicemitter, and rubber-shrouded outlet valve assembly with integral drinking tube. The primary protective mask design involved with all of the phases of the SIPE program was the XM44 Series. In 1990, the Soldier Integrated Protective Ensemble (SIPE) program was enacted to test various Protective Garments part of the Advanced Clothing System (ACS), CB Integration with Weapons Systems, computer-aided visual augmentation, and of course, new Protective Mask designs. Developed sometime around (or just before) 1990 by the Edgewood Chemical-Biological Center in conjunction with ILC Dover, the XM44 was a unique combination of the best the M40, MCU-2/P, and M43 Masks had to offer. Navy with the MCU-2/P and older ND Mk.V Masks. Armed Forces was equipped with a plethora of various protective masks in service - the Army and USMC Ground Forces had M17 Series and M40 Masks, Armored Crews had the M25 Series Masks, Army Aircrews had the M43 and M43A1 as well as the older ABC-M24, and not to mention the U.S. 4.8 Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus (CCBA) Adapterīy the end of the 1980's, the U.S.4.6 Dynamic Microphone Element and Microphone Positioner.4.4 M7A1 Mask Amplifier and Adapter Ring Assembly.4.1 Wilcox P/N 23100G01 Exhaust Valve Kit.3.5 M45 Chemical-Biological Land Warrior Protective Mask.3.4 M45 Chemical-Biological Aircrew Protective Mask (ACPM).3.3 Pine Bluff Arsenal/End of Production.2 XM45 Chemical-Biological Aircraft Mask (Post-SIPE).It is notable that all plastic parts of the mask are ultrasonic welded, a process which has never been applied to a protective mask in the past. The mask itself features a sleek, streamlined facepiece made of silicone rubber with butyl secondary skin and hood, a drinking system with the M1 Quick-Disconnect Drinking Adapter for hydrating in contaminated environments, integral ports to accommodate the M-133/U Dynamic or Land Warrior Microphone/Positioner, Front and Side Kapton Film Voice Emitters, and close-fitting elliptical eye lenses that are shaped to improve peripheral vision while allowing seamless compatibility with night vision and other optical equipment. Armed Forces, but due to logistical and ultimately legal issues, only entered service in the aforementioned roles. Stemming from one-mask joint branch development experimentation in the early 1990's, the M45 initially sought to replace all masks in service with the U.S. The M45 Chemical-Biological Mask System was fielded and adopted in 1996 in order to replace the M43 Type II and M24 Chemical-Biological Aircraft Masks, as well as to provide a modular mask platform for USSOCOM Ground Forces.
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