XM40

This is an early 1984 XM40 produced by ILC Dover. It is an experimental/prototype mask aiming to create a replacement for the M17 series. The facepiece is constructed from silicone and required a butyl proofed hood very similar to the M6A2 hood for the M17 series. The production of this mask was based heavily on research conducted on the earlier trials with the XM29 and XM30 series masks. This is an early, early XM40. Documentation on this one in particular is quite sparse. This is most likely a pre-contract proof of concept type design to “sell“ the initial contract to the military. Later designs included a voice diaphragm/ exhale cover closely resembling that of the M17A1/A2 masks. Nonetheless, the XM40 helped pave the way toward the M40 mask which served the US military for over 20 years.