![]() Like the M5-11-7 Combat Service Mask, this thread assembly attached to an port on the side of the facepiece, however unlike the M5, this port was molded as a part of the faceblank as one piece, leading to the molded-in "mustache-type" airflow deflector channels, which wrapped over the 'nose pocket' of the faceblank and ended under each eyepiece. The mask which had been developed had a solid injection-molded faceblank utilizing a black butyl rubber compound which was both far more chemical and weather-resistant than neoprene, a C15 Outlet Valve, and a 60mm threaded filter inlet stem for the M11 Combat Canister. Perhaps the most well-documented example was the MIT-E19R25-M11 Combat Service Masks, which were given a full report on March 7, 1945. These prototypes varied and progressed in development well into 49 revisions. The prototypes which followed along this general design pattern were known as the E19 Series Combat Service Masks. One of the first developments which began to show promise was a drastic modification to the M3 faceblank design, which had a deflector channel that ran over the nose pocket, rather than cutting into the pre-existing vertical deflectors. The CWS Division at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which had previously developed the M5-11-7, was now dealing not only with how to improve the means of effectively molding a side-canister mask but also to produce them of a suitable artificial rubber which was as resistant to extreme temperatures as it was to chemical agents. The M8 was little more than a standard M3 or M4 Series Lightweight facepiece with an upgraded C4 Head Harness and a metal angled 60mm thread assembly attached to the stem the M3 Hose had previously occupied and served as a stop-gap design to issue while development continued on improving a new side-canister mask. Its designation is at the moment, unknown, and given its crude nature of construction, it could not have been developed any later than 1944. Suspecting a full-scale invasion of the Japanese home islands was imminent, the first step taken towards supplying the Pacific Theater of Operations with "Assault" Masks was the M8-11-10 Snout-Type Service Mask.Īn extremely early prototype for what would eventually become the M9, seen at the Chemical Warfare Museum Archives, Fort Leonard Wood, MO. It was justifiably decided that the M3/M4 Lightweight Service Masks were too bulky in comparison to the M5 Mask and that the full adoption of an "Assault-Type" service mask would be the best possible outcome, however the complications in mass-producing the M5 and its poor handling of below-zero climates lead the CWS into investigating alternative manufacturing methods and designs to replace the M5. military had multiple standard service masks in use, including, but not limited to - the M3/M3A1 and M4/M4A1 Lightweight Service Masks, and the M5 Combat Service Mask. 4.3 Toxicological Agents Protective Cooling Hoodīy late 1944, the U.S.4.2 M3 Toxicological Agents Protective Hood.4.1 ABC-M4 Toxicological Agents Protective Hood.3.7 Toxicological Agents Protective Ensemble.3.5 ABC-M15 Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus.2.2 MIT-E20 Featherweight Combat Service Carrier.Heavy Decontamination Crews, Chemical Stockpile Inspectors and Handlers, and EOD Personnel used the mask from its conception in the late 1940s until the early 1990s as a part of the ABC-M21 Rocket Propellant, M15 Compressed Air Breathing, Toxicological Agents Protective (T.A.P.) Gear ensembles. It was also issued to Civilian Defense workers and civilians alike, and the M9 series would be used by these organizations up until the 1970s.Įven after the M9 series was phased out by general infantry, policemen and civilians alike, it continued its use by the U.S. ![]() ![]() ![]() ĭespite being replaced as a standard infantry mask by the M17 Series during the early/mid-Vietnam War, the M9 series continued service with National Guardsmen and Law Enforcement (even though they had specialty gas masks of their own) during protests against the war. Starting production around 1947, the M9 Series remained in standard infantry service until the early 1960s, when it was phased out with the introduction of the M17 Field Protective Mask. The M9 Series Field Protective Masks are some of the most successful gas masks to be used by the United States military, derivations being adopted by at least six other countries. Daytona Rubber, Firestone Tire & Rubber Co, Various Others
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