SWISS AF CBW TESTED EQUIPMENT
During the mid- late 80's/ early 90's, Swiss AF evaluated a number of Chemical/ Biological Warfare (CBW) pilot protective systems.
Up to that point, the pilots were only equipped with the "schuma ( "Schutzmaske" - protective mask) 74" which was worn before boarding and after landing, with all the resulting possible contamination problems.
The main evaluation criteria were the chem/bio protection effectiveness, the compatibility/ integration with Swiss AF aircraft system and operations, as equipment ease of donning and doffing with and without assistance.
The equipment was tested along with its related ancillary equipments as filters, blowers/ventilation devices and ground crew communication systems ( as the Gentex 6011-5).
Below a list and links of the equipment tested according to the documents and pictures of the time of which we are currently aware. All of them were tested simultaneously with CBW protective clothing of foreign and local ( also prototypes) production.
MBU-13/P CRU-80/P
Tested with HGU-39 and Gueneau 316;
On Alouette II/III, C-3605 (ground only), P.3/ PC-6/ PC-7
The MBU-13/P full-face mask - CRU-80 /P filter combo was considered as an "off the shelf" option in order to have comparative parameters.
More on MBU-13/ CRU-80 HERE
MC-2/P PROTECTIVE MASK
Tested with SPH-4 and Gueneau 316;
On Alouette III.
Since on the SPH-4 the microphone is installed on the left, the mask was modified by moving the filter threaded housing, which was standard located on that side of the mask, to the right.
More on MCU-2/P HERE
HUBER+SUHNER SM90
Prototype, later to become the standard Swiss Army "Schutzmaske 90" protective mask.
Tested with SPH-4 ;
On Alouette III and Pilatus PC-6 Porter.
A modified version of the mask is in use today on helicopters.
WIP WIP WIP WIP
M43 MASK AND RESPIRATOR
Tested with SPH-4 fitted with oxygen mask receivers;
On Alouette III and Pilatus PC-6 Porter.
WIP WIP WIP WIP
AR-5 AIRCREW RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
tested on SPH-4 / HGU-55, both modified in order to be compatible with the GB mask suspension system.
On helicopters ( Alouette III and Puma);
Prop as Pilatus P.3, PC-6 and C-3605;
Jet F-5 E Tiger, Mirage III ( on ground).
More on AR-5 HERE
MBU-19 PIHM/ TAERS
tested on HGU-55 helmet;
With standard/ protective pilot equipment on F-5 E Tiger and Mirage III.
More on PIHM/ TAERS HERE