The MP-4 was one of many Eastern European clones of the M17 mask and was issued to the Polish People Army. It was replaced in service by the MP-5.
MP-4[]
The Polish MP-4 is an unlicensed clone of the US M17 gas mask series. It's a direct evolution of OM-mg-2, the only difference is in harness, which is made of fabric instead of rubber. Production of MP-4 started in 1975 or 1976. Masks were issued to all branches of forces of the Polish People's Army, but never actually saw as much use as planned, the SzM-41M and SzM-41M KF masks would continue to see heavy use. The MP-4 would start to see much heavier use in the 1980s and early 1990s until it was mostly phased out by the MP-5.
The MP-4 only had minor changes to its American counterpart. Most notable differences are lenses, they are slightly farther apart, the frames and voice diaphragm being a silver colour, as well as the 'nose', which is slightly less pronounced. First production models were made from olive-green rubber, however, it wasn't until 1985 when they changed the mixture and rubber to a grey colour.
Bag[]
First version (1974 - 1977)[]
First version is made similarly to one completed with SzM-41M and SzM-41M KF. Its front and rear walls are stiffened, probably by a cardboard. There is a flat pocket inside for a plastic protection bag. This version has been produced from 1974 to 1977 and used also with OM-mg-2.
Second version (1978 - 1984)[]
Second version is similar to M17 bag. The main pouch contains a place for mask and anti-fog device, and like all other pockets is tampered by four metal poppers. The bag has two little external bays to hide bag straps when not in use and a bigger one for the IPP-51M personal decontamination kit. Straps are made of cotton.
Third version (1985 - 1990)[]
Third version differs from previous one by changing straps material to nylon.
Kit[]
MP-4 kit contains facepiece with cheek filters, bag, antifog cloth, pair of lens insulating covers, plastic protection bag with rubber band and IPP-51M personal decontamination kit.
MP-4B[]
The Polish MP-4B was a limited-production version of the MP-4. It only had minor differences from it's base design however.
Around the 1990s, drinking tubes became a popular feature for military and civilian masks. The mask differs from the MP-4 with the aforementioned drinking tube and by a different voice emitter cover. The drinking tube is located on the bottom and is covered by a cap, which can be threaded on and off, similar to the Israeli M15. It can also be moved around, the wearer could move the tube closer to their mouth if desired. The mask was soon pushed aside, as did the cheek filter design for the superior STANAG compatible MP-5. Then later by the newer MP-6.
Bag[]
Construction of MP-4B bag is the same as the third version of MP-4 one. The only difference is that MP-4B bag is made of rubberized material.
Kit[]
MP-4B kit contains facepiece with cheek filters, bag, antifog cloth, pair of lens insulating covers, plastic protection bag with rubber band, drinking tube, plastic bottle and IPP-51M personal decontamination kit.
Filters[]
The mask was issued with twin cheek filters that were to be put inside internal pockets of the facepiece. Those could not be replaced with the mask on. The factory-packed filters were hermetically sealed in foil (green or gray) and packed in a foil bag.
Straps[]
Some MP4s and MP4Bs have instead of gray, white straps. Only difference is, that white ones are more elastic. They are only in late production ones.
Trivia[]
- Contrary to popular belief, MP-4Ms actually does not exist, nor has the voice emitter has actually been updated. It is just a regular MP-4 fitted with a cover to protect the original M17 style voice emitter.
- The mask was nicknamed the "Bulldog" due to its appearance.
- The MP-4 gas masks were used for training military reservists and police officers until around 2015.
Extra Gallery[]
Instructions[]
Videos[]
References[]
"Maska Przeciwgazowa MP-4", MON, 1978