New joint service chemical mask tested

The latest chemical protective mask earmarked to replace the current mask used by U.S. Army fixed-wing aviators was tested on Fort Hood recently. The Joint Service Aircrew Mask for Strategic Aircraft test is the Army’s contribution towards this multi-service operational test. “Due to the confined space within the aircraft and the lengthy mission times, there is a definite need to ensure the fixed wing community has the capability to complete its missions while wearing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear equipment,” said Lt. Col. Richard Baylie, chief of the Fixed Wing/Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Test Division of the Aviation Test Directorate at the U.S. Army Operational Test Command.