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M247H machine gun: Difference between revisions

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{{era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:HReach-M247H-HMG-Side.png|350px]]
|image=[[File:HReach-M247H-HMG-Side.png|350px]]
|name=M247H Heavy Machine Gun
|name=M247H Heavy Machine Gun
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 115''</ref><ref name="Reach">'''Halo: Reach'''</ref>
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=317}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=115}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=175}}
|model=M247H
|series=[[M247 machine gun]]
|model=M247
|type=[[Machine gun]]
|type=[[Machine gun]]
|variant=
*[[M247 general purpose machine gun]]
*''[[Etilka]]''
|cost=  
|cost=  
|length={{Convert|64.3|in|cm}}<ref name="H4VG">'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 71''</ref>
|length=
|width={{Convert|26.1|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
*{{Convert|63.1|in|cm|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|height={{Convert|25.3|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
*{{Convert|64.3|in|cm|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4VG|H4EVG|Page=71}}
|damage per hit=Medium-high
*{{Convert|64.5|in|cm|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|feed=200 round box (varies by box size){{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|width={{Convert|26.1|in|cm|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|ammotype=[[wikipedia:.50 BMG|12.7mm High Velocity, Explosive]]{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref name="manual">'''Halo: Reach''' manual</ref><ref name="Waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/falcon/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38?filter=all '''Halo Waypoint''' UH-144 Falcon intel entry]</ref>
|height={{Convert|25.3|in|cm|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
|operation=Air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, drum/linkless-fed
|capacity=
|rate=Fully automatic
|feed=200-round box (varies by box size){{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*600 rounds per minute{{Citation needed}}
|ammotype=[[wikipedia:.50 BMG|M340 12.7 x 99mm High Velocity, Explosive]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Game|Id=manual|HR|Halo: Reach manual|manual}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Waypoint|URL=http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/3c8b0600-f216-4195-81dd-3eb10cf7ca38/falcon|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Falcon|D=14|M=03|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Vehicles#Falcon}}
|operation=Air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, drum/linkless-fed{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=28442|Site=Bungie.net|Page=M247H HMG|D=07|M=02|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Site|Id=guide|URL=http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/inteldetail/289ad587-1c3c-4b91-8e74-feef9ffa046d/spartan-laser|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - UNSC Weapons: Machine Gun|D=01|M=05|Y=2013|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#UNSC Weapons}}
|rate=Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|velocity=
|velocity=
|range=*Medium to long (mounted)
|optics=
*Close to medium (detached)
|range=Close to medium{{Ref/Reuse|manual}}
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]] <br> [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|service=
|affiliation=[[UNSC Defense Force]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Game|Id=Reach|HR|gameplay}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Game|Id=h4|H4|gameplay}}
}}
}}
The '''M247H Heavy Machine Gun''' is the most widely used turreted machine gun in service with the [[UNSC Armed Forces]]. It is manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=28442 '''Bungie.net''': ''M247H HMG'']</ref>
 
The '''M247H machine gun''', or formally known as the '''M247H Heavy Machine Gun''' ('''HMG'''), is a variant of the [[M247 machine gun]]. It is manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
The M247H is an air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, linkless-fed weapon that fires [[Wikipedia:.50 BMG|12.7mm High Velocity, Explosive rounds]]. It is generally used to provide suppressing fire, point-to-point cover fire, and, predominantly, direct fire in an anti-personnel role, though it is also capable of destroying light vehicles with relative ease.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
===Design details===
{{Main|M247 machine gun}}
Although its basic design has changed significantly over time,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} by [[2552]], superficially, the M247H is near-identical to the standard M247.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The M247H is an air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, linkless-fed weapon that fires [[Wikipedia:.50 BMG|M340 12.7 x 99mm High Velocity, Explosive (HVE) rounds]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} The standard configuration of the M247H is affixed to a tripod turret base, similar to the older [[AIE-486H machine gun]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Like many other UNSCDF support weapons, the M247H is fitted with a metal shield near the rear of its barrel to protect the user, though some versions, including the one mounted on the [[UH-144 Falcon#Variants|UH-144S Falcon]], lack this feature. The ammunition box is located behind this shield; the standard box contains 200 rounds, though this capacity varies.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The firing mechanism and trigger are located at the rear of the weapon and are accompanied by a pair of handles, allowing the operator to rotate it 180 degrees.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
 
===Usage===
The M247H is primarily used from a full-range, tripod-mounted position, providing a powerful suppressive covering fire.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}} It is generally used to provide suppressing fire, point-to-point cover fire, and, predominantly, direct fire in an anti-personnel role,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} though it is also capable of destroying light vehicles with relative ease.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}


Due to its light weight and ease of use, it is used at most UNSC bases and high-priority sites. Reports indicate that personnel have been seen firing the M247H from the hip to pursue enemies beyond the fixed weapon's range, though such situations are unlikely unless performed by a [[SPARTAN Program|Spartan]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Even so, such reports remain unsubstantiated.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
Due to its light weight and ease of use, it is used at most UNSC bases and high-priority sites. Reports indicate that personnel have been seen firing the M247H from the hip to pursue enemies beyond the fixed weapon's range, though such situations are unlikely unless performed by a [[SPARTAN Program|Spartan]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Even so, such reports remain unsubstantiated.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}


The M247H had entered service with the UNSC as early as [[2526]].<ref name="Obliv4">'''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''', ''Chapter 4''</ref>
===Operational history===
 
The M247H is formerly in service with the [[Colonial Military Authority]], serving as the backbone of CMA heavy weapons teams.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} A variant of the M247H, the [[M247 general purpose machine gun|M247 GPMG]] had entered service with the UNSC as early as [[2526]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=Obliv4|Oblv|4}} By [[2552]],{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} the M247H was widely adopted by the [[UNSC Army]];{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} [[Jorge-052]] of [[NOBLE Team]] notably employed a personalized variant of the M247H.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFIntentions|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-noble-intentions|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Noble Intentions|D=08|M=07|Y=2016}} The weapon's impressive performance has led to its widespread integration across an array of vehicles, such as the [[UH-144S Falcon]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=154}} On [[Reach]]—the major UNSC stronghold—the M247H is manufactured at Misriah Armory's [[Rajtom Facility]].{{Ref/Game|HR|M247 machine gun in-game model}} By [[2557]], the M247H is the most commonly used turret in the UNSC armed forces.{{Ref/Reuse|H4VG}}
===Design details===
The standard configuration of the M247H is affixed to a tripod turret base, similar to the older{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]. Like many other UNSCDF support weapons, the M247H is fitted with a metal shield near the rear of its barrel to protect the user, though some versions, including the one mounted on the [[UH-144 Falcon#Variants|UH-144S Falcon]], lack this feature. The ammunition box is located behind this shield; the standard box contains 200 rounds, though this capacity varies.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} The firing mechanism and trigger are located at the rear of the weapon and are accompanied by a pair of handles, allowing the operator to rotate it 180 degrees.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} Its basic design has changed significantly over time.<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''UNSC Weapons'', ''page 317''</ref>


==Variants==
==Variants==
*'''Etilka''' - [[UNSC rank structure|Chief Warrant Officer]] [[Jorge-052]]'s modified M274H machine gun lacked the shield plate, which was replaced by a heat cover over the barrel and was colored differently from the standard version. He also modified the handles of the gun to be easier on the wrist.  
*'''[[M247 general purpose machine gun]]''': A lighter version of the M247H variant, adopting a slim, light-weight design.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*'''War Games Etilka''' - After the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC created a variant for use in {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s [[War Games]] modeled after Etilka. Now equipped with a red high-capacity magazine, the weapon grants increased movement speed, damage resistance, and weapon damage. It is also branded with "S-052" (Jorge's designation) and [[Noble Team]]'s logo.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-noble-intentions '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: Noble Intentions'']</ref>
*'''[[Etilka]]''': [[Jorge-052]]'s modified M274H machine gun.{{Ref/Reuse|CFIntentions}}
<gallery>
*'''War Games Etilka''': After the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC created a variant for use in {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s [[War Games]] modeled after ''Etilka''.{{Ref/Reuse|CFIntentions}}
<gallery class=center>
File:H2A M247MG.png|M247 general purpose machine gun.
File:M247H-HeavyMachineGun.png|Etilka.
File:M247H-HeavyMachineGun.png|Etilka.
File:H5G M247H 2.png|War Games Etilka side 1.
File:H5G M247H 2.png|War Games Etilka.
File:H5G M247H.png|War Games Etilka side 2.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Gameplay==
==In-game information==
The weapon is excellent against enemy infantry, especially when they are encountered in large numbers. However, the user is entirely exposed. Carrying the turret greatly decreases the player's speed and maneuverability. In ''Halo Wars 2'', it has become an exclusive weapon for [[Alice-130]].
The machine gun is excellent against enemy infantry, especially when they are encountered in large numbers. However, the user is entirely exposed. Carrying the turret also greatly decreases the player's speed and maneuverability. The M247H will overheat after extensive use, forcing the user to wait for the gun to cool down or risk it inoperable until it is fully cooled. In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', [[Sangheili]] and [[Unggoy]] will use these turrets if in their vicinity. In ''Halo Wars 2'', it has become an exclusive weapon for [[Alice-130]].  


==Trivia==
==Production notes==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
*Early concept art by [[Isaac Hannaford]] for the Falcon's side-door guns closely resembles the [[AIE-486H machine gun]] from ''[[Halo 3]]'', but was later changed to the M247H machine gun.
*The M247H is erroneously labeled as the AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun in [[Bungie.net]] game stats.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/CareerStats/weapons.aspx?player=Ace_36O '''Bungie.net''' career stats]</ref> The weapon's description on the official ''Halo: Reach'' website erroneously claims that the M247H uses 7.62mm cartridges, which are actually used by the M247 GPMG.
*The weapon's formal designation '''Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M247''' in the official ''Halo: Reach'' website erroneously claims that the M247H uses 7.62mm cartridges,{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} which are actually used by the M247 GPMG.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
*When firing, the weapon makes the same sound as the AIE-486H HMG, including the sound of the gun spooling up, despite the M247H having only a single barrel.
*When firing, the weapon makes the same sound as the AIE-486H HMG, including the sound of the gun spooling up, despite the M247H having only a single barrel. Furthermore, the M247H is erroneously labeled as the AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun in [[Bungie.net]] game stats.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://halo.bungie.net/stats/reach/careerstats/weapons.aspx?player=thegamer298&vc=4&sort=5|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Career Stats|D=24|M=7|Y=2019}}
*Like the AIE-486H HMG featured in ''Halo 3'', if the Infinite Ammo setting is active, the detached turret will not have unlimited ammunition. However, if the Bottomless Clip setting is enabled, detached turrets will have infinite ammunition.
*Like the AIE-486H HMG featured in ''Halo 3'', if the Infinite Ammo setting is active, the detached turret will not have unlimited ammunition. However, if the Bottomless Clip setting is enabled, detached turrets will have infinite ammunition.
*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', [[Sangheili]] and Grunts will use these turrets if in their vicinity.
*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the HUD elements for the M247H do not show a remaining round count when the weapon is dismounted as in previous games, but instead show a percentage of ammo left remaining, similar to its counterpart, the {{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}. The same quirk appears with the Etilka [[Requisition system|REQ]] weapon in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', which is especially curious considering that the game's standard machine gun turret, the [[M49 Vulcan]], now once again displays a round count instead of a percentage when removed from its mount.
*Early concept art by [[Isaac Hannaford]] for the Falcon's side-door guns closely resembles the [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] from ''[[Halo 3]]'', but was later changed to the M247H Heavy Machine Gun.
*The M247H, like turrets in Reach minus the Shade, tends to overheat after extensive use, forcing the user to wait for the gun to cool down or risk it jamming until it is fully cooled.
*Etilka is a Hungarian and Hebrew name which means "Noble".<ref>[http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/etilka]</ref>
*In ''[[Halo 4]]'', the HUD elements for the M247H do not show a remaining round count when the weapon is dismounted as in previous games, but instead show a percentage of ammo left remaining, similar to its counterpart, the [[Type-52 plasma cannon]]. The same quirk appears with the Etilka [[Requisition system|REQ]] weapon in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', which is especially curious considering that the game's standard machine gun turret, the [[M343A2 chaingun]], now once again displays a round count instead of a percentage when removed from its mount.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===''Halo: Reach''===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HR FalconMG Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon-mounted M247H variant.
File:HR FalconMG Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Falcon-mounted M247H variant.
File:HR_M247HMachineGun_Concept.jpg|Concept art of an M247H HMG, with an [[M319 grenade launcher]] for size comparison.
File:HR_M247HMachineGun_Concept.jpg|Concept art of an M247H HMG, with an [[M319 grenade launcher]] for size comparison.
File:M247h_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the M247H.
File:M247h_ref.jpg|A turnaround reference of the M247H.
File:HReach-M247H-HMG-Profile2.png|Render of the M247H in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:M247H_HMG_profile.png|A preview image featuring the M247H's profile.
File:HReach-M247H-HMG-Profile2.png|Render of the M247H.
File:HR-M247-JorgeType.jpg|A render of Jorge-052's customized M247H.
File:HaloReach - Spartan HMG.png|A [[B-class Mjolnir|Mark V(B)]]-clad [[SPARTAN-III Program|Spartan-III]] wielding an M247H.
File:HaloReach - Spartan HMG.png|A [[B-class Mjolnir|Mark V(B)]]-clad [[SPARTAN-III Program|Spartan-III]] wielding an M247H.
File:Elite Turret.jpg|A [[Sangheili Minor]] using an M247H against [[SPARTAN-B312]].
File:Jorge-052.png|Jorge-052 wielding his modified M247H.
File:Jorge-052.png|Jorge-052 wielding his modified M247H.
File:HR-M247-JorgeType.jpg|A render of Jorge-052's customized M247H.
File:HTMCC-HR M247H Full.png|Full view of the M247H.
File:Reach FalconGunner Full.jpg|An [[AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir|Air Assault]]-clad Spartan-III operating a Falcon-mounted M247H on [[Spire]].
File:HTMCC-HR M247H Front.png|Close-up view of the M247H's front.
File:M247H_HMG_profile.png|The M247H HMG in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HTMCC-HR M247H Rear.png|Close-up view of the M247H's rear.
File:H4-M247HHUD.png|The HUD of the M247H in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:HR SpireAssault2.jpg|Jorge-052 firing his M247H.
File:Elite Turret.jpg|A [[Sangheili Minor]] using an M247H.
File:Reach FalconGunner Full.jpg|An [[AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir|Air Assault]]-clad Spartan-III operating a Falcon-mounted M247H on [[Spire (map)|Spire]].
File:HR Anchor9 10.jpg|A Sangheili firing a detached M247H on [[Anchor 9 (map)|Anchor 9]].
</gallery>
===''Halo 4''===
<gallery>
File:Halo4-M247H-HeavyMachineGun.png|Render of the M247H.
File:HTMCC-H4 M247H Full.png|Full view of the M247H.
File:HTMCC-H4 M247H Front.png|Close-up view of the M247H's front.
File:HTMCC-H4 M247H Rear.png|Close-up view of the M247H's rear.
File:H4-M247HHUD.png|The HUD of the M247H.
File:HTMCC-H4 PressKit Chief&Turret.jpg|John-117 wielding a detached M247H and a marine firing an M247H on a tripod.
File:H4-M247H.png|A [[VENATOR-class Mjolnir|Venator]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] using the M247H on [[Longbow]].
File:H4-M247H.png|A [[VENATOR-class Mjolnir|Venator]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] using the M247H on [[Longbow]].
File:H4-M247H1.png|A Spartan-IV with a detached M247H.
File:H4-M247H1.png|A Spartan-IV with a detached M247H.
File:Halo4-M247H-HeavyMachineGun.png|The M247H in ''Halo 4''.
</gallery>
File:H2A-M247&M247H.png|An M247H with an M247 in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
File:H2A-M247HHUD.png|The HUD of the M247H in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
<gallery>
File:H2A-M247HHUD.png|The HUD of the M247H.
File:H2A-M247&M247H1.png|A Sangheili firing an M247H on [[Skyward]].
File:H2A-M247&M247H1.png|A Sangheili firing an M247H on [[Skyward]].
File:H2A-M247H.png|A Sangheili with a detached M247H.
File:H2A-M247H.png|A Sangheili with a detached M247H.
File:H5G-M247H.png|An early version of the M247H in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H2A-M247&M247H.png|An M247H placed next to a standard M247 for comparison.
File:H5G-Indomitable&M247H.jpg|An [[INDOMITABLE-class Mjolnir|Indomitable]]-clad Spartan-IV using an M247H on [[Stasis]] in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
</gallery>
File:H5G-M247HHUD.png|HUD of the M247H in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
File:HO-M247HHUD.jpg|HUD of the M247H on [[Riverworld]].
<gallery>
File:HINF_MPOverview_M247H.png|The M247H in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:H5G-M247H.png|An early version of the M247H.
File:H5G M247H.png|War Games Etilka.
File:H5G-M247HHUD.png|HUD of the M247H.
File:H5G-Indomitable&M247H.jpg|An [[INDOMITABLE-class Mjolnir|Indomitable]]-clad Spartan-IV using an M247H on [[Stasis]].
</gallery>
===''Halo Wars 2''===
<gallery>
File:HW2-Alice leading Marines.jpg|[[Alice-130]] carrying the M247H machine gun.
File:HW2-From the Deep.jpg|Alice-130 firing the M247H machine gun.
File:HW2 Blitz Alice-130.png|[[Blitz]] card art of Alice-130 firing the M247H machine gun.
</gallery>
===''Halo Online''===
<gallery>
File:HO-M247HHUD.jpg|HUD of the M247H.
File:HO-M247H.jpg|Two M247s on [[Riverworld]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 99: Line 137:
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==

Latest revision as of 18:46, November 27, 2024

M247H Heavy Machine Gun
HReach-M247H-HMG-Side.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2][3]

Model series:

M247 machine gun

Type:

Machine gun

Variants:

Specifications

Length:

  • 160 centimetres (63.1 in)[1][2]
  • 163 centimetres (64.3 in)[4]
  • 164 centimetres (64.5 in)[3]

Width:

66 centimetres (26.1 in)[4]

Height:

64 centimetres (25.3 in)[4]

Ammunition type:

M340 12.7 x 99mm High Velocity, Explosive[1][2][5][6]

Feed system:

200-round box (varies by box size)[1][2][3]

Operation:

Air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, drum/linkless-fed[2][4][7][8]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[2][3]

Effective range:

Close to medium[5]

Service history

In service:

 

The M247H machine gun, or formally known as the M247H Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), is a variant of the M247 machine gun. It is manufactured by Misriah Armory.[2][6][3]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

Main article: M247 machine gun

Although its basic design has changed significantly over time,[1] by 2552, superficially, the M247H is near-identical to the standard M247.[3] The M247H is an air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, linkless-fed weapon that fires M340 12.7 x 99mm High Velocity, Explosive (HVE) rounds.[2][7] The standard configuration of the M247H is affixed to a tripod turret base, similar to the older AIE-486H machine gun.[2] Like many other UNSCDF support weapons, the M247H is fitted with a metal shield near the rear of its barrel to protect the user, though some versions, including the one mounted on the UH-144S Falcon, lack this feature. The ammunition box is located behind this shield; the standard box contains 200 rounds, though this capacity varies.[2] The firing mechanism and trigger are located at the rear of the weapon and are accompanied by a pair of handles, allowing the operator to rotate it 180 degrees.[6]

Usage[edit]

The M247H is primarily used from a full-range, tripod-mounted position, providing a powerful suppressive covering fire.[4] It is generally used to provide suppressing fire, point-to-point cover fire, and, predominantly, direct fire in an anti-personnel role,[1] though it is also capable of destroying light vehicles with relative ease.[2][6]

Due to its light weight and ease of use, it is used at most UNSC bases and high-priority sites. Reports indicate that personnel have been seen firing the M247H from the hip to pursue enemies beyond the fixed weapon's range, though such situations are unlikely unless performed by a Spartan.[2] Even so, such reports remain unsubstantiated.[6]

Operational history[edit]

The M247H is formerly in service with the Colonial Military Authority, serving as the backbone of CMA heavy weapons teams.[3] A variant of the M247H, the M247 GPMG had entered service with the UNSC as early as 2526,[11] By 2552,[9] the M247H was widely adopted by the UNSC Army;[3] Jorge-052 of NOBLE Team notably employed a personalized variant of the M247H.[12] The weapon's impressive performance has led to its widespread integration across an array of vehicles, such as the UH-144S Falcon.[13] On Reach—the major UNSC stronghold—the M247H is manufactured at Misriah Armory's Rajtom Facility.[14] By 2557, the M247H is the most commonly used turret in the UNSC armed forces.[4]

Variants[edit]

In-game information[edit]

The machine gun is excellent against enemy infantry, especially when they are encountered in large numbers. However, the user is entirely exposed. Carrying the turret also greatly decreases the player's speed and maneuverability. The M247H will overheat after extensive use, forcing the user to wait for the gun to cool down or risk it inoperable until it is fully cooled. In Halo: Reach, Sangheili and Unggoy will use these turrets if in their vicinity. In Halo Wars 2, it has become an exclusive weapon for Alice-130.

Production notes[edit]

  • Early concept art by Isaac Hannaford for the Falcon's side-door guns closely resembles the AIE-486H machine gun from Halo 3, but was later changed to the M247H machine gun.
  • The weapon's formal designation Machine Gun, Caliber 7.62 mm, M247 in the official Halo: Reach website erroneously claims that the M247H uses 7.62mm cartridges,[7] which are actually used by the M247 GPMG.[2]
  • When firing, the weapon makes the same sound as the AIE-486H HMG, including the sound of the gun spooling up, despite the M247H having only a single barrel. Furthermore, the M247H is erroneously labeled as the AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun in Bungie.net game stats.[15]
  • Like the AIE-486H HMG featured in Halo 3, if the Infinite Ammo setting is active, the detached turret will not have unlimited ammunition. However, if the Bottomless Clip setting is enabled, detached turrets will have infinite ammunition.
  • In Halo 4, the HUD elements for the M247H do not show a remaining round count when the weapon is dismounted as in previous games, but instead show a percentage of ammo left remaining, similar to its counterpart, the Pek-pattern plasma cannon. The same quirk appears with the Etilka REQ weapon in Halo 5: Guardians, which is especially curious considering that the game's standard machine gun turret, the M49 Vulcan, now once again displays a round count instead of a percentage when removed from its mount.

Gallery[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Halo Wars 2[edit]

Halo Online[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 317
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 115
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 175
  4. ^ a b c d e f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 71
  5. ^ a b Halo: Reach, manual
  6. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint, Falcon (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  7. ^ a b c Bungie.net, M247H HMG (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [archive]
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - UNSC Weapons: Machine Gun (Retrieved on May 1, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
  9. ^ a b Halo: Reach, gameplay
  10. ^ Halo 4, gameplay
  11. ^ Halo: Oblivion, chapter 4
  12. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Noble Intentions (Retrieved on Jul 8, 2016) [archive]
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 154
  14. ^ Halo: Reach, M247 machine gun in-game model
  15. ^ Bungie.net, Career Stats (Retrieved on Jul 24, 2019) [archive]