S10 GAS MASK TRIAL
S10 GAS MASK SERIES

These specialized corrective lenses have several disadvantages when compared to the L2A1 lenses, namely the FOV is significantly reduced and (similar to the S6) it causes a 'fisheye' effect when looking out the outer side.

However, it prevents any use of the optical correction inserts which require a separate lens type which is referred to as 'corrective lens' (respirator designation 元A1). The more common indented Lens which is known as a 'plano lens' (respirator designation L2A1) allows for use with optics and provides minimal disruption to the field of view. The S10's basic layout consists of 2 round lenses, a forwards facing exhale valve with integrated Primary Speech Module and 2 ports on each lower side of the respirator which on regular S10's house the Secondary Speech Transmitter (And clansman radio system port) on one side with the filter port on the other.ĭiagram from Survive to Fight detailing components of the S10Įyepieces on the S10 consist of a rather brittle plastic and come in 2 different types.

The mid-life redesign took place just after the Gulf war to correct and improve certain parts and features of the S10 respirator, which are harness buckle tabs, orinasal cup, valve rubber specification and lower harness buckle attachment point on the mask itself. This was due to the design of the S10 being centred around a hypothetical war in Europe between NATO and the Warsaw pact, however many of the issues presented were resolved in the coming years with minor amendments to the design but the issue with heat continued to plague the S10 up until it was phased out.

S10 GAS MASK TRIAL

After mass production had started issue began sometime in 1987 with its first major trial being in the gulf war where several issues in relation to hot environments arose: namely the harnesses slipping, poor ventilation and valves sticking. Information from these documents will be added once it can be researched.Ĭoming off a successful trial the S10 respirator entered production in 1986 with Avon Rubber plc as the only contractor for the mask (marking the first time a service respirator of Britain has only had a single manufacturer) this is despite a Soviet document alluding that LBR possibly had involvement in the development cycle however this is currently unconfirmed. Leading on from this several prototypes were developed in the early 1980s by Porton Down and possibly Avon Rubber along with Layland Birming Rubber with field trials having seemingly started in 1982 with the last known prototype dating from 1984.

With the exception of the R8 none of these designs made it into production, and even with the R8 its issuing was extremely limited at best and by the early 1980s, the S6s age was becoming more and more apparent leading to the NGASR 3848 document being issued setting out a list of requirement and expectations that the respective branches desired from a new respirator.

S10 GAS MASK SERIES

These experiments and tests culminated in the R# series of respirators (including the R8 often wrongly called the S8) these experiments revolved around better performance with optical equipment and furthering resistance to threats. As the S6 respirator was nearing the 20-year mark of service the evolving CBRN threats presented in the late cold war prompted Porton Down to begin research and development on a new service respirator.

S10 gas mask