|
This article would benefit from a more standard writing style. Articles should be formally written and should be divided into proper sections. For reference, the author should read other, more standardized articles. |
ROU kit
ROU from the front
The РОУ (which loosely translates to Universal Combined Arms Respirator) is a modern-day Russian Respirator which saw its initial service in the early 2000s (my Example being from 2007). This Mask is said to protect the user against the hazardous environment brought about by Nuclear Explosion, including Nuclear Flash (СИЯВ in the original manual's text) and other harmful thermally-related factors, Atomic Dust (РП) and Related Toxic Gases (TX) which are found in the primary cloud and terrain-related dust following detonation. It is also believed to protect against liquid agents and aerosols.
The ROU (translated) is included in the OZK-F Kit, which consists of a ZFO Protective Suit and a PKR Kit (made up of the PMK-3 and ROU Protective Masks) and came in 3 sizes (1 being the smallest and 3 being the largest). The Example here is observed to be of size 2.
One unusual thing about the ROU is that it doesn't require the use of an external filter. This is as it is able to filter NBC agents as will be mentioned further on. The Mask's Facepiece consists of 3 layers, an outer camouflaged fire/flash retardant dimpled layer (which protects the user against Nuclear Flash), an intermediate Polymeric Filtering layer (which contains activated charcoal) and finally the innermost Non-woven Lavsan (Polyethylene terephthalate) layer (which protects the individual against damaging carbon particles which may leak out of the filtering layer and cause harm to his/her respiratory system) with which the user's face makes contact.
2 variants of the ROU are known to exist: the 'more common' NBC variant seen here and a Police version, which protects the user from Tear Gas. It also appears to have 2 prototypes: one consisting of an integrated Chemical Hood and the other being a panoramic variant. These were solely seen in an exhibition held a few years ago and it is unknown whether they are actually in use today.
The Mask's 5 Strap Head-harness is complemented by another strap which runs down from the mid-line of the Mask's brow towards its 'nose'. This Strap can be tightened in order to provide a better field of view (by pulling the Mask's lower Facepiece upwards), alongside (and more importantly) an airtight seal.
The ROU was issued and stored in a plastic bag (sealed by a rubber band) until it was to be used.
In order to protect the Exhale Valve from damage by frost, a rubber Protector or Air Deflector was installed onto the Mask (according to the manual this procedure was to be undergone at around -10C).
Anti-fogging Inserts fit inside the lenses and were installed in the following manner: the Insert was placed onto the inside of the Eye-Lens, followed by a rubber ring and finally the Plastic Retaining Ring issued with the Mask. PSZG-1 'Outsert Films' could also be added to the outside of the ROU's lenses to prevent it from mechanical damage (scratches).