Type 77 - Chinese heavy machine gun . Adopted in the late 1970s with the aim of replacing the Type 54 . Adopted in 1977. Serial production started in 1980.
| Type 77 | |
|---|---|
| Type of | easel machine gun |
| A country |  China |
| Production history | |
| Designed by | 1977 |
| Manufacturer | Norinco |
| Years of production | 1980-1985 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight, kg | 28 (body) + 28.3 (machine) |
| Length mm | 2150 |
| Barrel length, mm | 1016 |
| Cartridge | 12.7 × 108 mm |
| Work principles | The removal of powder gases , locking sliding combat stops |
| starting speed bullets , m / s | 650–700 |
| Type of ammunition | 60 round tape |
Description
In the mid-1970s, it was decided to develop a lightweight 12.7-mm machine gun, suitable for mobile units, with the possibility of using it from transport and from a machine to support ground forces. The new weapon was officially adopted by the PLA in 1977 as the Type 77, and put into mass production in 1980. For a heavy machine gun, it was somewhat unusual to remove the gas piston, apparently in an attempt to save weight on moving parts and reduce inertia.
The machine gun uses gas exhaust automation with a direct supply of powder gases to the slide frame through a gas tube running under the barrel to the front of the receiver. In the middle of the barrel there is a three-position gas regulator through which gas is fed into the gas outlet pipe. His combat stops and tape were an adaptation of the proven DShKM solutions.
Weight with a universal tripod machine is 56 kg - half that of DShKM / Type 54 on its own machine. The body without a machine is 28 kg, the machine itself is 28.3 kg. Barrel length 1016 mm, total weapons - 2150 mm. Food is provided by bulk cartridges of 60 rounds.
Type 77 has a very heavy barrel with an original muzzle brake and a tubular receiver made of very thin steel. The trunk is quick-detachable; equipped with a large cylindrical muzzle brake and carrying handle. Locking the barrel is similar to the DShK, it is realized by two fighting stops spreading to the sides of the bolt body and engaging the bolt with the receiver having a circular cross section. Shooting is carried out only in automatic mode.
The tape feed module is similar to the DShKM, it is controlled by a swinging lever in the projection on the shutter frame. Only left-side feed. The machine gun allows the fastening of the cartridge box. To control the Type 77, vertical double handles and a cocking handle under the receiver are used. Type 77 is equipped with an adjustable open sight, in addition to the ability to install night , optical, and special anti-aircraft. As a rule, it was produced with a universal optical sight with a low magnification ratio, suitable for both air and ground targets.
Type 77 did not fully meet the requirements of ergonomics and five years after the start of production, it was upgraded to receive the Type 85 index. [1] [2]
See also
- List of machine guns