Anyone can identify these oxy. masks?

[BlueBookGuy]

hello,

noticed these masks being carried here by two test pilots in early 1964, the crew for the future XB-70 flight tests. They do wear what look like a Navy-design of oxy. masks, or at least the way of fitting a mini-regulator + the hose re-routed backwards, and again down the shoulder.

Can anyone have explanations about why such a system? Thanx!!

 

https://www.gettyimages.ch/detail/nachrichtenfoto/test-pilots-joseph-cotton-and-alvin-white-nachrichtenfoto/50544192?language=it

[phantomfixer]

The mask bodies look like the MS-22001 or MBU-3/P ...but can't comment on the system... 

Part of the escape capsule design is one thought 

[AMT500E]

Masks maybe Acushnet or MSA mfg. and most likely not the later silicone material, o2 regulator on the right is a Firewell 2700 model (not clear on the left)

both masks sporting the Hardman retention kit.

Quote from Best of Flightgear.dk -

"Firstly, placing the regulator directly next to the breathing space made the regulator highly responsive to changes in the pressure in the mask. It would open almost immediately when the pilot started breathing in. Secondly, leading oxygen at high pressure all the way to the mask removed the risk of contamination of the breathing oxygen. The high pressure would keep any noxious fumes out of the system. Thirdly, it removed the need for intermediate pressure reducing valves, making it possible to reduce the overall size of the regulator. Lastly, the high pressure made it possible to use a smaller and less clumsy oxygen line to facilitate its application and removal".

[BlueBookGuy]

They instantly did remind me of the Navy-unique system(s) so many times noticed wnen looking at photos/videos of Navy high-performance jet airplanes about early-to-mid- '60s.  Evidently the XB-70 cockpit environment/systems commanded this particular way of oxygen delivery.

 

Thanx to both of you!

[Vark_07]

The soft masks look like MS-22001-type body, and I recognize the iconic Hardman shell retention with "Christmas Tree" bayonets / receivers.

The 0² connector to the masks, hose and regulator attached to them, however, seem to be a specific assembly regarding the escape capsule, as AMT500€ pointed out..