Gas Mask and Respirator Wiki
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20170310_1241241.jpg|MP-4 bag closed and open
 
20170310_1241241.jpg|MP-4 bag closed and open
 
20170428_141455.jpg|MP-4B bag closed and open [can somebody rotate it?]
 
20170428_141455.jpg|MP-4B bag closed and open [can somebody rotate it?]
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MP-4B instruction.jpg|MP-4B instuction
 
20161223_132252.jpg|MP-4 instruction (front)
 
20161223_132252.jpg|MP-4 instruction (front)
 
20161223_132319.jpg|MP-4 instruction (back)
 
20161223_132319.jpg|MP-4 instruction (back)

Revision as of 16:06, 25 May 2017

The MP-4 was one of many Easter European clones of the US M17 mask, and was issued to the Polish 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 normal MP-4, except for it having black eye lens frames, and voice emitters. The design was finalized in 1973, 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.

The MP-4 only had minor updates to its American counterpart, only differences being the colour of the rubber, the lenses are slightly farther apart, the frames on the lenses and voice diaphragm being a silver colour, as well as the "nose" being slightly less pronounced. The MP-4 usually came in different colours, olive-tan and grey were the most common. The older models of the mask in the green colour were made of somewhat a weaker material, the mask was later updated with the grey rubber, the mix used in the composition made it more durable. They ended production in 1990, which is when the MP-4B attempted to take its place.

MP-4B

The Polish MP-4B was an experimental 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 "Apollo".

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