(The name in Polish of the Polish armed forces is not useful here) |
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|weight = 0.878 kg, /w bag 1.556 kg |
|weight = 0.878 kg, /w bag 1.556 kg |
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|filter = Internal Cheek Filters |
|filter = Internal Cheek Filters |
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| − | |thread = |
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|period = Not officialy adpoted |
|period = Not officialy adpoted |
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| − | |issued = {{User|pl| |
+ | |issued = {{User|pl|Polish Armed Forces}} |
|previous = MP-4 |
|previous = MP-4 |
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|next = [[MP-5]] |
|next = [[MP-5]] |
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Revision as of 11:33, 22 July 2019
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 unlicensed clone of the famous US M17 gas mask series. First prototype models were made in 1970. They were made of black rubber with silver eye lens frames, and voice emitter. In 1972, there were models known as the OM-MG-2, they're near identical to a final MP-4, except for it having black eye lens frames, and voice emitters. The design was finalized in 1973 and production begin the same year. Masks where issued to all branch of forces of Communist Army and remain there till 1990s.
The MP-4 only had minor updates 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" being slightly less pronounced. First production models being made from olive-green rubber. It wasn't until 1983 when they changed the mixture and rubber to a grey colour, albeit being a change to the mask in general, it still retained its name.
MP-4B
The Polish MP-4B was a limited-production gas mask that was rather short lived. It has minor adds in design. Now it is considered to be a somewhat rare piece, that no more than 300 were made.
Around the 1990s, drinking tubes have became a necessity for military and civilian masks. Mask differs from MP-4 by occurence of drinking tube and by different voice emitter cover style. The drinking tube located on the bottom 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.
Carrier
MP-4 carrier design is similiar to original M17s. The main pouch contains place for mask and anti-fog device, and like all other pockets is tampered by metal poppers. Bag has two little external bays to hide bag straps when not in use and bigger one for field bandage. MP-4B's carrier it's made from rubberized material, making it waterproof and efficently protect the contents inside the bag. It's also quite bigger due need of space for plastic drinking bottle and has additional pouch for drinking tube.
Trivia
- Contrary to popular belief, MP-4Ms actually do not exist, nor has the voice emitter have 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 "Buldog" due to its appearance.
Gallery
Videos
