In what looks like something that came out of the popular video game called HALO, we get to see what the U.S. Army is developing as the Next Generation Respiratory Protection System (NGRPS). That's a long name for what many would call as a next generation gas mask, but it sure sounds cool. Such masks are dreaded as they're too hot to use, but this one promises a degree of comfort whilst it provides protection from biological, chemical, and nuclear threats in the field.

HS Design has completed a mask design in cooperation with the U.S. Army's RDECOM Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. According to the company:

The system allows scalable protection ranging from Air-Purifying Respirator (APR), Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR), and Closed-Circuit Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (CC SCBA) modes or operation.

Thus, from filtering air from outside into something breathable, the NGRPS can also become a self-contained breathing apparatus in combination with a pack which can contain oxygen and other components can help the soldier when the operating environment becomes too hostile that the air outside cannot be used for breathing, even if filtered.

For comfort, a mini-blower is also fitted and can blow the air evenly on the face's  surface. This will be a very welcome relief for those who are going to use it. We don't know if the battery that is going to power this mini-blower is integrated, or will come with a separate power pack which can be fitted on to a belt, rather than have such in the same pack that contains an oxygen tank.

Will this work with the Revision Military's BATLSKIN Helmet System which is focused more on full head ballistic protection rather than respiratory protection? I am curious as it might look like wastage of taxpayers' money if two helmet systems will be made for soldiers rather than a modular Helmet system that can provide both ballistic and respiratory protection. Still, the NGRPS is a proof a concept that can either go as a new gas mask system to be produced or the designs and technologies developed out of its research will be incorporated in a new generation ballistic helmet program.

With chemical weapons brought into play in the ongoing Syrian Civil War, the U.S. might have to worry about doing some military intervention without its troops prepared for such in countries where leaders might not hesitate to unleash such weapons. The NGRPS will be a step in the right direction as some players in wars in the 21st Century might just violate established conventions.