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Changes: XM27 Riot Control Gas Mask

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{{Mask|name = XM27 Riot Control Gas Mask|name-long = Experimental Silicone M17|image = xm27.jpg|caption = The XM27 and its Waterproof Carrier Pouch.|previous = [[M17|ABC-M17]]|next = [[XM28E4|XM28E4 Riot Control Gas Mask]]|prototype = Yes|filter = M13 Series Filtering Elements|country = {{Country|us}}|period = 1966-1968|countries-issued = N/A|issued = {{user|us-a}}|manufacturer = Mine Safety Appliences|weight = 2.5 lbs}}In 1966, the 1st Cavalry Division requested a compact and lightweight protective mask when it was found the standard ABC-M17 Field Protective Mask proved far too bulky and gave an excess of protection when dealing with Riot Control Agents deployed to flush Viet Cong from their tunnels. During trials for a lightweight protective mask, one contender used the ABC-M17 mold, however constructed of a transparent silicone rubber (a green silicone would later be utilized) instead of the typical black natural/artificial rubber blend. The idea was that the silicone would be lighter in weight and that the transparent material would allow soldiers to identify each other more easily.
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[[File:XM27_-_2.jpg|thumb|300px|US XM27]]
  
   
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In addition to being produced of transparent or green silicone rubber, the prototype also lacked lens frames and occasionally utilized a C15 Head Harness, rather than the typical C8R1. The carrier for the mask was a small, waterproofed duck canvas pouch, as the mask was not intended for use with CBR Agents and did not need a wide variety of accessories. Exact figures of production are unknown, and it did likely not last long as the XM28 Series Masks proved far more lightweight and compact.
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The XM27 was created as a replacement for the American M17. The desighn of the XM27 is identical to the M17 with the exception being its construction from transparent silicone, instead of black rubber. This mask however is found today as an orange mask, as silicone becomes an amber colour through time. It was seen that although the M17 was a protective mask, it was too heavy to carry around and made it difficult for the wearer to see properly. The silicone XM27 was far more flexible and was lighter than the M17, which was a factor which proved beneficial to the troops in Vietnam.
  
   
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Production of the XM28 began in 1968, and one reference hints that some remaining examples of the clear silicone variants were used as training aids, as it allowed the internal workings and construction of the ABC-M17 to be fully visualized.
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Due to its improved flexibility, the XM27 could be packed into a small water proof bag, instead of the larger canvas carrier bag the M17 used. The M17 was carried on the leg of the wearer, which meant there was a higher risk of exposing the mask and carrier bag to water when walking through puddles. Due to the mask's weight the carrier bag would often slip down the side of the leg, resulting in filter damage from the exposure to water.
 
   
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== Additional Notes: ==
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The XM27 was developed, along with the XM28, which ultimately proved be better, in 1966, by Edgewood Arsenal when the 1<sup>st</sup> Cavalry Division requested a compact and lightweight protective mask. The XM27 was discarded because of its excess weight compared to the XM28. Production of the XM28 began in 1968. Since very few XM27s were produced, finding an example of one is highly unlikely.
  
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* The designation "XM27" is unconfirmed and may likely be a rumor started due to the design's close proximity of development with the XM28 Prototypes [citation needed]. However, Army Publications seem to reference this designation frequently, so this may not be the case.
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* Three examples are currently known to exist - the first (and perhaps most well-recognized) formerly belonged to Bart Wilkus of http://nofuture.com/gasmasks.net/ and is currently owned by collector Taro Hanrahan, the second resides at the archives of the Fort Leonard Wood Chemical Warfare Museum, and the third sold on eBay for $518.64 to a private collector.
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* The 'amber' color of the rubber is due to aging and discoloration of the silicone. The masks would have been completely transparent originally. This discoloration issue is likely what lead to the use of green silicone in later procurement examples.
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== Gallery: ==
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<gallery>
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XM27 on Display.JPG|The XM27 Facepiece.
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XM27 Fort Leonard Wood.png|A Green XM27 residing at the archives of the Fort Leonard Wood Chemical Warfare Museum.
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mask display.jpg|The XM27 on display (bottom right) at the Fort Leonard Wood Chemical Warfare Museum.
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XM27 Silicone Prototype Gas Mask (1).png|The XM27 in the Collection of Taro Hanrahan.
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XM27 Silicone Prototype Gas Mask (3).png|Side View.
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XM27 Silicone Prototype Gas Mask (2).png|Side View.
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XM27 Silicone Prototype Gas Mask (4).png|The C15 Head Harness.
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XM27 Silicone Prototype Gas Mask (5).png|Interior of the Mask.
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XM27 Silicone Prototype Gas Mask (6).png|Detail on Markings.
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Green Silicone XM27 (2).jpg|Green Silicone XM27.
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Green Silicone XM27 (5).jpg|Side Profile View. Note this specimen has the standard C8R1 Harness.
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Green Silicone XM27 (6).jpg|Forehead Stamps. Notice the lack of lens crimp rings to reduce weight.
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Green Silicone XM27 (7).jpg|Interior View.
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Green Silicone XM27 (15).jpg|The same specimen, with neutral gray (tinted) lens outserts, from the collection of David Baker.
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Green Silicone XM27 (14).jpg|Much of the same.
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Green Silicone XM27 (10).jpg|MSA (Manufacturer) and 1967 Production Date Stamp.
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Green Silicone XM27 (11).jpg|Another 1967 Date Stamp. 1967 was the year the XM28E4 was finalized, putting this XM27 as very late procurement.
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Green Silicone XM27 (12).jpg|Serial Stamp.
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</gallery>
   
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== References: ==
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[[File:Xm27.jpg|thumb|right|US XM27. (taken from <ref>http://www.gunfighters.kiev.ua/equipprotective1.htm</ref>)]]
  
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# [https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/CHEMICAL-DEFENSE-EQUIPMENT-O’HERN-Dashiell/07889ce00d201692bc171aaee1c5914d9cbc145e/figure/37 Chemical Defense Equipment, Figure 16-5]
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# [http://www.modernforces.com/uniform_gasmask.htm Modern Forces - XM28 Riot Control Gas Mask]
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# [http://nofuture.com/gasmasks.net/ Le Masque à Gaz, Page USA 5]
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===References===
  
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# [http://nofuture.com/gasmasks.net/database/usa5/us-200d.htm Le Masque à Gaz, DETAILS]
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# [http://www.gasmasklexikon.com/Page/USA-Mil-Infantrie.htm Mask History - Infantry or General-Purpose Mask by Major Robert D. Walk]
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{{reflist}}
  
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* http://www.gasmasks.net/
  
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[[Category:US Gas Masks]]
  
 
[[Category:Full Face Masks]]
  
[[Category:Full Face Masks]]
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[[Category:Cold War Era Mask]]
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[[Category:Experimental Masks]]
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[[Category:Cheek Filter Masks]]
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[[Category:Military Gas Masks]]
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[[Category:United States]]

Revision as of 20:48, 23 February 2020

In 1966, the 1st Cavalry Division requested a compact and lightweight protective mask when it was found the standard ABC-M17 Field Protective Mask proved far too bulky and gave an excess of protection when dealing with Riot Control Agents deployed to flush Viet Cong from their tunnels. During trials for a lightweight protective mask, one contender used the ABC-M17 mold, however constructed of a transparent silicone rubber (a green silicone would later be utilized) instead of the typical black natural/artificial rubber blend. The idea was that the silicone would be lighter in weight and that the transparent material would allow soldiers to identify each other more easily.

In addition to being produced of transparent or green silicone rubber, the prototype also lacked lens frames and occasionally utilized a C15 Head Harness, rather than the typical C8R1. The carrier for the mask was a small, waterproofed duck canvas pouch, as the mask was not intended for use with CBR Agents and did not need a wide variety of accessories. Exact figures of production are unknown, and it did likely not last long as the XM28 Series Masks proved far more lightweight and compact.

Production of the XM28 began in 1968, and one reference hints that some remaining examples of the clear silicone variants were used as training aids, as it allowed the internal workings and construction of the ABC-M17 to be fully visualized.

Additional Notes:

  • The designation "XM27" is unconfirmed and may likely be a rumor started due to the design's close proximity of development with the XM28 Prototypes [citation needed]. However, Army Publications seem to reference this designation frequently, so this may not be the case.
  • Three examples are currently known to exist - the first (and perhaps most well-recognized) formerly belonged to Bart Wilkus of http://nofuture.com/gasmasks.net/ and is currently owned by collector Taro Hanrahan, the second resides at the archives of the Fort Leonard Wood Chemical Warfare Museum, and the third sold on eBay for $518.64 to a private collector.
  • The 'amber' color of the rubber is due to aging and discoloration of the silicone. The masks would have been completely transparent originally. This discoloration issue is likely what lead to the use of green silicone in later procurement examples.

Gallery:

References:

  1. Chemical Defense Equipment, Figure 16-5
  2. Modern Forces - XM28 Riot Control Gas Mask
  3. Le Masque à Gaz, Page USA 5
  4. Le Masque à Gaz, DETAILS
  5. Mask History - Infantry or General-Purpose Mask by Major Robert D. Walk
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