Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun
The Type 77 heavy machine gun or Type 85 is a Chinese 12.7×108mm heavy machine gun.
Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun
Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China · Chinese Type 1977 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft Gun · CC0
- Name
- Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun QJG-85
- Field
- heavy machine gun
- Period
- 1977
- Region
- People's Republic of China
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Documentary summary
The Type 77 heavy machine gun or Type 85 is a Chinese 12.7×108mm heavy machine gun.
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wikidata · Q1059160 · wikipedia · Type 77 heavy machine gun
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun QJG-85 • Origin — China • Type — Heavy machine gun • Is Ranged — yes • Service — 1977—present • Wars — Syrian Civil War Mali War M23 rebellion Tigray War War in Sudan (2023) • Manufacturer — Norinco • Production Date — 1977- • Weight — 28 kg (gun only) 28.3 kg (tripod) • Length — 2150 mm • Part Length — 1016 mm • Cartridge — 12.7×108mm • Action — hybrid short-recoil and direct gas impingement • Rate — 650-700 rounds/min • Velocity — 825 m/s • Feed — 60-round belt • Sights — Iron/Optical
History
History
During the mid-1970s, China decided to develop a lighter 12.7 mm machine gun to replace the Type 54 (indigenous DShK) that was more suited for mobile anti-aircraft applications. The weapon was adopted in 1977 and mass production commenced in 1980.
Design
Design
To save weight, the Type 77 used a hybrid short-recoil and direct gas impingement operated action, somewhat unusual for a machine gun, resulting in few moving parts and a long and slim, tubular receiver. Overall weight of the gun and tripod comes to about 56 kg (120 lb), less than half that of a mounted Type 54/DShK, though it retains the same locking system and belt feed. The barrel is also thinner as light weight was favored over volume of fire, which causes it to overheat faster, with a prominent "pepperpot" muzzle brake. It has iron sights and a mount for a low-magnification optical sight suitable for engaging ground and air targets. The gun also has a large charging handle below the receiver, shoulder stock, and fires from an open bolt.
Type 85 heavy machine gun
Type 85 heavy machine gun
• Illustration — A Type 85 (improved Type 77) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the M23 rebellion Military designation QJG-85. Five years after the Type 77 entered service, it was replaced in production by the updated Type 85 heavy machine gun. An evolution on the Type 77, it used a more conventional muzzle brake and replaced the spade grips and separate cocking handle with horizontal grips and a sliding trigger unit, the entirety of which is moved forward and back to cock the gun. The gun and tripod were also lighter, weighing 24 kg and 17.5 kg respectively. Both weapons can be mounted on vehicles.
Users
Users
* * * • Pakistan * •: Used by Unmanned ground vehicle "Alrobot". Also used by the Popular Mobilization Forces. • Rwanda • South Sudan • Niger • Sudan *
Non-State Actors
Non-State Actors
• Syria Free Syrian Army and Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army • Islamic State • People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad • Tigray Defense Forces
Chronology
Dated record
Chronology
The full dated record · 2 entries
1977
Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun first recorded.
1977
Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun is recorded from 1977.
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References
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Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun is associated with People's Republic of China. Classified as a heavy machine gun. Recorded from 1977.
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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