The ShR-2 (Russian шлем раненого - 'helmet for a wounded person') mask is a Soviet gas mask designed and first produced in the late 1960s for soldiers with head wounds. It was most issued to medics and field hospitals.
Description[]
The mask is 38 centimeters in diameter and is made of thin grey rubber. It has a metal clasp at the neck portion of the mask to tighten it and ensure an airtight seal. It also features three cloth straps on each side that tie together in order to fold up excess rubber, depending on the size of the bandage. The mask's eyepieces are very large and are crimped to the rubber with a metal band like most Soviet masks. The lenses tended to fog up very quickly because the lack of Tissot tubes, anti fogging soap was issued to solve this problem. The exhale valve for this mask is located on the wearer's right side. The filter is connected to the mask via a built-in breathing tube that protrudes from the front of the mask. The breathing tube is compatible with all 40mm GOST filters.
Service[]
Soviet Union[]
The producer and primary user of the mask.
Hungary[]
Magyar Néphadsereg (Hungarian People's Army)
Hungary imported and used the mask as SR, SR-2 or Fejsérült gázálarc (head wound gas mask) between 1971 and 1993 with 70M kits. There were 18000 pieces in stock.
East Germany[]
Nationale Volksarmee (DDR People's Army)
Its designation was SchR-2.
Czechoslovakia[]
Československá Lidová Armáda (Czechoslovak People's Army)
Its designation was ŠR-2.
Romania[]
Romania produced clones of the ShR-2, however it's designation and distribution is unknown.