M48 Apache Helicopter Crewman's Gas Mask like M43

[sev0579]

so is this thing obselete or would it be useable

[RetroRespirators]

@sev0579 Apparently the switchover to the JSAM solution for Apache aviators is still up in the air. These are still in service. Now that being said, it would require a powered filter blower to use(which I don't have for this particular mask). Most that end up in civilian hands have some sort of defect or damage somewhere. This one is for training purposes. I notice that the hood is wearing thin in areas and the head harness is worn. I'm sure there are other issues as well. Thanks.

[sev0579]

@RetroRespirators would there be anyway to repair one if i bought it or should i just completely forget it

[antotocalabro96]

my mask look like this @retrorespirators

[apacheguy1981]

We still use it and are required to fly with it once a year.

[RetroRespirators]

@apacheguy1981 Awesome info. From my understanding, they have moved to the JSAM Type IA mask for operational use but still train with this mask. Is that right or has the JSAM still not been fielded to all crews? Appreciate the comment. Regards,

Dan

[ODSTScoppyElite]

i cant believe the US used this shitty looking mask. wow its fucking ugly.

[RetroRespirators]

@ODSTScoppyElite Well, this mask was issued to only the elite crews that got to take a ride in the Apache. It was designed for a specific purpose and it met its design intentions despite costly service repairs and high unit costs. We are talking about a mask that had to meet higher vision specifications than any other masks and it is designed brilliantly in those terms. The mask sits so close to the eyes that some pilots needed to clip their eyelashes. Looks aren't everything.

[Bulldog22031]

@ODSTScoppyElite I am pretty sure when they design a gas mask, the first thing on their "to do" list is NOT make it look cool.

[ODSTScoppyElite]

@Bulldog22031 i know but this mask looks like a demon XD

[Arashieatssweets]

Just got this today ,before I accidentally break it is that hood or hose removable

[RetroRespirators]

@Arashieatssweets No, the hood and hose are both secured permanently. By the way, where did you find one? Haven't seen one in forever and I am looking to get an M43 series.

[Arashieatssweets]

@RetroRespirators I got it at a surplus store in Austin Texas I don't live in Austin the store is very small but they have everything rare there

it's called Quosen Hut

[Arashieatssweets]

@RetroRespirators I got it for 150$ and they had some pretty interesting masks like a ww2 era green one

a msa mcpu or what ever it's called, a hooded m 17 (I bought that) some gp5 s a Finnish m61 and the m48

[Arashieatssweets]

Looks like the fallout 2 enclave power helmet

[RetroRespirators]

@Arashieatssweets Indeed it does. Thought that when I first saw one.

[galacnor]

@RetroRespirators

you played fallout 2?

[RetroRespirators]

@galacnor No, never played that one or the first. I remember seeing advertising for the game way back when though.

[NanoSnax]

yeah its a very unique looking gas mask

[RetroRespirators]

@NanoSnax

Indeed, it is. Probably my favorite modern aviator mask. There is a newer JSAM mask being used by the Apache now. It still has the notched eyepiece as well. I'm looking to make a replica of the M142 IHADSS helmet to complete the look. Thanks.

[rodstartube]

have you tested if it is effective against intestinal gas?

[RetroRespirators]

@rodstartube

I haven't tested it and it is demilled, so most likely you'd end up with intestinal gas inside the mask and die a slow, agonizing death.

[rodstartube]

what's the usb port for? simulation? :D

[RetroRespirators]

@rodstartube

LOL Where do you see a USB port? If you are talking about the cable that comes out of the mask near the "nose", that is just a 2 conductor aviation microphone cable.

Thanks,

Dan

[I3ioH4zRd]

wow thats a sexy mask

[RetroRespirators]

@I3ioH4zRd

Thanks man. Still hanging onto that M45? That is a nice one as well.

[MilitariaCollector45]

What a weird but cool mask.

where do you get all these masks from?

let me guees ebay.

[RetroRespirators]

@MilitariaCollector45

I have...connections. LOL Nah. Yep, you guessed it...ebay.

[CohenTheWhiteRabbit]

Yeah, I know you're not selling... but when you are... you know who to message ;)

Very nice. Can it be fitted with modern or hollowed out filters or is it not at all safe for use?

[RetroRespirators]

@CohenTheWhiteRabbit

Yeah, it is more or less completely safe. It's not really that old. Plus, you could fit it with a new 40mm filter or a 40mm hollowed filter. The thing is, without the filter/blower, it could be very restrictive in terms of breathing, due to the increased air space of the hose and the design of the inhale valve. Plus, since it is demilled, it would probably serve no purpose as a protective mask. But I guess that is beside the point, right? It just looks cool :)

Thanks man.

[CohenTheWhiteRabbit]

@RetroRespirators Yeah, I have to admit I'd rather have it for maybe the odd wearing than not to be able to wear it at all, I always hollow out one filter so I can, I prefer the ablility to wear them, protective or not.

Anyway, thanks for posting this one, very cool indeed, though I like that Vista one to. If you didn't know your stuff then I'd already be trying to cheat you out of it haha.

[Blacktiger3170]

Very nice and rare mask ;)

[RetroRespirators]

@Blacktiger3170

Thanks a lot. Much appreciated :)

[HonsRulz]

Thats really cool, but is the right eye piece cracked or broken because it kind of looks like it.

[RetroRespirators]

@HonsRulz

No, it is asymmetrically notched to accept the helmet display monocular. I actually thought the same thing when I got it out of the box lol. This is the M49 Type 1. The Type 2, which was issued to other non gunship helicopter crews, just has rounded out lenses without that notch. Thanks.

[RetroRespirators]

@RetroRespirators

Actually I take that back. This is an M48, or the model used with the Apache crew. The M49 is the general aviation equivalent without the notched lenses.

[TheGasmaskcollector]

Wow! the first thing that caught me were the eye pieces! They look so different from other masks! If you ask me it looks sort of futuristic! I love the mask overall! Nice video, Thumbs up!

[RetroRespirators]

@TheGasmaskcollector

Well, it's definitely different and I'm not gonna disagree with you. Speaking about the eye pieces, one of the interesting features is the ability to use visual correction outserts with "refractive index variations". I found that information in "U.S. Chemical and Biological Defense Respirators: An Illustrated History", a great book I must say. I believe the outserts to attach on those pins towards the center of the mask on each side of the "nose". Thanks.

[Jackal739]

That actually looks like a face! I should have bid on it! but then again i was bidding that RFK and that other CEM so i had no extra cash. :( but thats awesome! Makes me want one all the more!

[RetroRespirators]

@Jackal739

Yeah, I'm especially glad to have finally gotten my hands on one. I have been after one of these type of masks for ages now. It amazes me at just how close that it sits to the face. It is as if the nosecup is actually part of the facepiece and the lenses just about rest around the eyes. It is certainly high quality. Thanks.

[Jackal739]

@RetroRespirators yeah it looks awesome i want one!