Unveiling the Russian PMG-2 Gas Mask Kit: A Legacy from the Cold War Era

Tag : Russian PMG 2 Gas Mask

The PMG-2 gas mask kit is a remarkable piece of military equipment with a storied history. This mask, along with its predecessor, the ShM-66MU, served as critical protective gear for various populations, primarily during the Cold War period. In this blog post, we will delve into the Russian PMG-2 gas mask kit, exploring its use, features, and its predecessor, the ShM-66MU (ШМ-66МУ), which shares many similarities.


PMG-2 Gas Mask Kit (Гражданский Противогаз - 2)

The PMG-2 gas mask kit, known in Russian as Гражданский Противогаз - 2 (Grazhdanskiy Protivogaz - 2), is a civilian gas mask introduced in the Soviet Union during the Cold War era. This mask was designed to protect civilians, including the general population, from potential chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. The PMG-2 gas mask kit is characterized by its distinctive spherical panoramic lens and a rubberized facepiece designed to create an airtight seal.

Features of the PMG-2 Gas Mask Kit:

  1. Spherical Panoramic Lens: The PMG-2 features a wide panoramic lens, providing users with an unobstructed field of vision.
  2. Airtight Seal: The rubberized facepiece ensures a secure and airtight fit, preventing the penetration of harmful agents.
  3. Filter Canister: The mask is equipped with a screw-on filter canister, which contains activated charcoal to filter out contaminants.
  4. Drinking System: Some versions of the PMG-2 have an integrated drinking system that allows the wearer to hydrate without removing the mask.
  5. Adjustable Straps: The mask has adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Users of the PMG-2 Gas Mask Kit

The PMG-2 gas mask kit was primarily intended for civilian use. Its users included:

  1. Civilian Population: During the Cold War, the Soviet government distributed PMG-2 gas masks to civilians as part of civil defense measures. These masks were issued to households and workplaces to ensure protection in case of a CBRN emergency.
  2. Emergency Services: First responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, and civil defense personnel, were equipped with PMG-2 masks to enable them to carry out their duties safely in contaminated environments.

ShM-66MU Gas Mask (ШМ-66МУ)

The ShM-66MU gas mask, known as ШМ-66МУ (Shlem-66MУ) in Russian, is the predecessor of the PMG-2 gas mask kit. While there are slight differences in design and features, both masks share many similarities and serve the same purpose of providing protection against CBRN threats.

The ShM-66MU featured a single panoramic lens and a similar rubberized facepiece. It also utilized filter canisters and adjustable straps. The key differences between the ShM-66MU and the PMG-2 included design updates and improvements, such as a more streamlined look and enhanced comfort features in the PMG-2.

The Russian PMG-2 gas mask kit and its predecessor, the ShM-66MU, are iconic pieces of protective equipment from the Cold War era. These masks were essential for safeguarding the civilian population and emergency services from potential CBRN threats. While the PMG-2 may have replaced the ShM-66MU, both masks share a place in history as symbols of preparedness during a tense period in global history.