WARRIOR: PMK-4 gas mask for the new combat suit

12/28/2020By Redaktion

The PMK-4 (Russian: Противогаз Mалогабаритный Kомбинированный - "Compact Combined Mask") is the fourth mask in the PMK series and is intended to replace the PMK-3 mask in the Russian military.

The PMK-4 is a full-face mask with a large speech membrane, similar to those of the previous masks in the PMK series. The PMK-4 was introduced into service at the same time as the PMK-S and is part of the current Russian Ratnik program ("Ratnik" means "Warrior" in German and is the new equipment for Russian soldiers).

The mask is designed for protection against all ABC threats and is manufactured to a very high standard of quality and comfort. The shape and construction of the PMK-4 and the PMK-S are very similar, with main differences lying in the color, contents of the set, material of the straps, and weight. Both masks are manufactured by ARTI-Zavod, a conglomerate of the Zelinsky Group. While the PMK-4 is exclusively produced for the Russian military, the PMK-S is essentially the version for law enforcement.

The PMK-4 features two GOST 40mm thread adapters, one on each side for single or dual filter use. PMK-4 masks come with a lightweight, polymer-coated ABC filter with high flow rate and low breathing resistance, known as FPS-4P. These filters also come with a hydrophobic prefilter, similar to the previous PMK masks.

The mask features a quick release drinking tube system that wraps around a channel in the lower part of the exhalation valve.

The mask uses a 6-strap rubber system for attachment, similar to the PMK-3, although the PMK-3 only has a 5-point system. In addition to the 6-strap system, the PMK-4 has a chin strap for faster donning and doffing.

The PMK-4 offers the option to switch between polycarbonate protective lenses, which are attached to the mask frame above the integrated clear lens using rubber straps. Included in the package are two clear protective lenses as well as two green-tinted lenses for protection against light radiation from nuclear explosions. The PMK-4 lens has the shape of the ballistic glasses of the Ratnik system for use in combination (mask/glasses combination).

The mask also includes an ABC protective hood (attached under the mask), a camouflage hood, a carrying bag, and an adapter for vision correction. The mask is manufactured in Russian standard sizes 1, 2, or 3, with size 3 being the largest.

It's important to note that the PMK-4 was never produced in black. The mask that is thought to be a black PMK-4 is actually a PMK-S mask, as the PMK-S is a very similar mask produced only in black for law enforcement.

The PMK-4 is produced in the color OD Green. It is suspected that ARTI-Zavod has produced a small number of special masks for the Russian military in a white (snow operations) color as well as a desert brown color. This color selection was most likely made to correspond to the standard color variations of equipment in the Russian military Ratnik system. Another distinguishing feature between the PMK-4 and the PMK-S is the strap system of the PMK-4, which is made entirely of rubber, while the PMK-S has elastic lower straps. The PMK-4 is also slightly lighter due to its filter construction.

PMK-4 masks are incredibly rare to find outside of the Russian military. Some sources say that not all units of the Russian military have even received this mask (as of 2020).

All information about the PMK-4 protective mask of the Russian Armed Forces from Gas Mask and Respirator Wiki.