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Revision as of 19:14, 31 July 2020
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 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 began the same year. Masks were issued to all branches of forces of the Communist Army and remain there till the 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 color, as well as the "nose", which is 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 color, 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 become a necessity for military and civilian masks. Mask differs from MP-4 by the occurrence 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 similar to original M17s. The main pouch contains a place for mask and anti-fog device, and like all other pockets is tampered by metal poppers. The bag has two little external bays to hide bag straps when not in use and a bigger one for field bandage. MP-4B's carrier it's made from rubberized material, making it waterproof and efficiently protect the contents inside the bag. It's also quite bigger due to the need for space for a plastic drinking bottle and has an additional pouch for drinking tube.
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.
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.
Extra Gallery
Instructions
Videos
