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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H2|HW|RE|RVB|GOO|HGN}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Cleanup}}
|image=[[File:HINF - M247 Machine Gun Product Logo.png|100px]]
{{Weapon
[[File:HINF M247 Full.png|350px]]
| image=[[File:Reachturret.jpg|255px|]]
|name=M247 Heavy Machine Gun
| name=General Purpose Machine Gun
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22|Enc22|Page=174}}
| manufacturer=
|series=M247 series
| model=M247 General Purpose Machine Gun
|type=[[Machine gun]]
| type=Turret
|variant=
| cost=
*[[M247H machine gun]]
| size=*Portable: 156 centimeters
**[[M247 general purpose machine gun]]
*Mounted: 154.5 centimeters
*[[M247T machine gun]]
| damage per hit=Medium
|cost=
| magazine=Unlimited
|length={{Convert|64.6|in|cm}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
| maxammo=Unlimited
|width=
| fire=Fully automatic
|height=
| ammotype=.30 caliber rounds
|capacity=
| operation=
|feed=200-round box{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
| rate of fire=6 rounds per second
|ammotype=[[wikipedia:.50 BMG|M340 12.7 x 99mm High Velocity, Explosive]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
| accuracy=short to Medium
|operation=Air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, drum/linkless-fed{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=115}}{{Ref/Note|Id=M247H|Given their near-identical appearances, the M247 likely operates in the same manner as its [[M247H machine gun|M247H variant]].}}
| range=Medium (2.000 metres)<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 317''</ref>
|rate=Automatic{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}
| era=Human-Covenant War
|velocity=
| counterpart=*Mounted:[[Type-26 Anti-Infantry Stationary Gun|Shade]]  
|optics=
*Portable:[[Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon|Plasma Cannon]]
|range=
| counterwep=Explosives and Scoped weapons
|service=
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]{{Ref/Reuse|forge}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]{{Ref/Game|Id=gameplay|HI|gameplay}}
}}
}}
The '''M247 General Purpose Machine Gun''' (abbreviated '''M247 GPMG'''), colloquially known as the '''GP Machine Gun Turret''', was a heavy weapon used extensively by the United Nations Space Command ground forces.
{{Article quote|The 247 has served in the UNSC arsenal for decades. In the semi-portable tripod configuration it is employed for site defense. It has effectively unlimited ammo supply while attached to the weapon mount.{{Ref/Game|Id=forge|HINF|Forge - M247 HMG Turret description|Quote=The 247 has served in the UNSC arsenal for decades. In the semi-portable tripod configuration it is employed for site defense. It has effectively unlimited ammo supply while atached to the weapon mount.}}}}
The '''M247 machine gun''', or formally known as the '''M247 Heavy Machine Gun''' ('''HMG'''), is a rapid-firing, automatic turreted machine gun in service with the [[United Nations Space Command]]. It is manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}


==Design Details==
==Overview==
The General Purpose Machine Gun, normally depicted as a stationary gun emplacement, is usually placed near defensive positions in and around UNSC bases and fortifications. It is capable of firing an incredible number of .30-caliber rounds. It is evidently chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO standard cartridge, as "7.62x51mm" is printed on sides of the large, nearby ammunition crates<ref group="Notes">seen during campaign missions, the ''Halo 2'' multiplayer map, [[Headlong]], and the [[Halo 3 Beta|''Halo 3'' Beta]] map, [[High Ground]], with a picture of the M247 GP machine gun on the same container, indicating the weapon uses this type of ammunition.</ref> The M247 turret has three variants found in ''Halo 2'' and one variant in ''Halo Wars'':
===Design details===
#'''Fixed''' - This variant of the turret has a slab of armor plating to protect the operator from incoming fire, and is used as a defensive weapon by the UNSC Marine Corps. In addition, it is the only variant available for use in multiplayer.
The M247 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/NoteReuse|M247H}} The standard configuration of the M247 is affixed to a tripod turret base. Like many other UNSCDF support weapons, the M247 is fitted with a metal shield near the rear of its barrel to protect the user. The ammunition box is located behind this shield; the standard box contains 200 rounds. 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|enc22}}
#'''Portable''' - The second variant is man-portable, equipped with a folding tripod or bipod for rapid relocation and setup in the field. To lighten the load, the protective plate is removed.  This version is unavailable in multiplayer, and is incapable of being picked up or relocated whenever it appears in the story-campaign.
#'''[[Dropship 77-Troop Carrier|Pelican]]-mounted''' - This variant is secured via a mount hanging from the ceiling of the Pelicans' rear compartment.
#'''[[M312 Elephant HRV|Elephant]]-mounted''' - This variant is mounted on Elephants when it is upgraded.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', Leader Card: ''[[Captain Cutter]]''</ref> It will operate only when the Elephant is in lock-down mode and is quite effective against infantry and light air units.


=== Advantages ===
===Usage===
The M247 is a very effective weapon against enemy infantry and light vehicles. It is also far less visible in comparison to the Covenant's equivalent, the [[Shielded Plasma Cannon]] making it somewhat harder to spot.  In addition, its tracer rounds are more difficult to spot compared to the searing, white-hot plasma bolts of the Shielded Plasma Cannon, and it has a much higher rate of fire. The M247 can also withstand a direct frontal hit from the main armament of a [[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]] or the [[M68 Gauss Cannon]], so long as the gunner has a high shield and health level.  While the 7.62x51mm round it uses is effective against armor and flesh than plasma-based weaponry, it isn't particularly effective against shields. Despite this, the M247's high volume of fire makes it a highly desirable weapon.
The M247 is generally carried by a team of marines or a single Spartan, the M247 can neutralize heavily shielded enemies, light vehicles, and slower aircraft. It serves as the standardized HMG configuration of the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s combat deployment.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22}}


Curiously, in-game, the location of impact of the M247 on a target does not affect the damage inflicted. Therefore, a target shot in the legs would take the same amount of damage then if he was shot in the chest. The M247 can take down enemy targets under sustained fire: a target that is unshielded can take only two or three rounds before dying, while a fully shielded target can survive seven or eight.  A target with a fully charged [[overshield]] can take eighteen rounds before being killed, or three seconds. This is not a problem, as the high volume of fire will make short work of any foe.
==Variants==
*'''[[M247H machine gun]]''':  This variant is the most widely used turreted machine gun in service.
**'''[[M247 general purpose machine gun]]''': A lighter version of the M247H variant that adopts a slim, light-weight design.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
**'''[[Etilka]]''': [[Jorge-052]]'s modified M274H machine gun.{{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}}
**'''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}}
*'''[[M247T Medium Machine Gun]]''': This variant is outfitted mostly on the [[M808 Scorpion]], [[M820 Scorpion]], and [[M850 Grizzly]] main battle tanks as an onboard anti-infantry weapon.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=140-141}}
<gallery>
File:HReach-M247H-HMG-Side.png|M247H machine gun.
File:H2A M247MG.png|M247 general purpose machine gun.
File:M247H-HeavyMachineGun.png|Etilka.
File:H5G M247H 2.png|War Games Etilka.
File:HReach-M247T-MMG-Side3.png|M247T machine gun.
</gallery>


=== Disadvantages ===
==In-game information==
As is the case with the Shielded Plasma Cannon, the M247's gunner is extremely exposed to enemy fire and will invariably become a high-value target to be taken out. A single hit by a [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]], a round from the [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion tank]]'s main gun, or a well placed [[plasma grenade]] will destroy the turret and the gunner. In addition, the aforementioned hit from a Wraith or an M68 Gauss Cannon will also completely deplete the gunner's shields, leaving said individual vulnerable to a follow-up shot.
{{Expand-section}}


While it is useful against enemies in light vehicles, this is not a weapon to use when faced with enemy armor, as the .30 caliber rounds will have little effect on a Scorpion or a [[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]], unless the target is hit with sustained fire for about [[List of "Seven" references in Halo|seven]] seconds. Therefore, it is highly advisable to immediately flee from the turret when confronted with a tank.
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:HINF-M247HHUD.png|HUD of the M247 in ''Halo Infinite'' campaign.
File:HINF-M247HmobileHUD.png|HUD of the detached M247 in ''Halo Infinite'' campaign.
File:HINF M247 Front.png|Close-up view of the M247's front.
File:HINF M247 Rear.png|Close-up view of the M247's rear.
File:HINF House of Reckoning berserkers.png|The Master Chief uses a detached M247 against a mob of Jiralhanae Berserkers.
File:HINF_MPOverview_M247H.png|A Spartan firing the M247 on [[Fragmentation]].
File:HINF-EVAturret.png|A Spartan carrying a detached M47H on Fragmentation.
File:HINF MirageMachinegunner.png|A Spartan firing the detached M247 on Fragmentation.
File:HINF NobleJustice Stance.png|Spartan in Mark V Armor wielding a detached M247 in the Noble Justice stance.
File:HINF - Emblem icon - Big Guns.png|The M247 featured in the Big Guns emblem.
</gallery>


In contrast to the shielded plasma cannon, the M247's gunner is completely exposed to enemy fire and very vulnerable to snipers and other scoped weapons. Furthermore, the M247 can only traverse 180 degrees, so a wise gunner will recruit an ally to watch their flanks and rear. Also, while this machine gun is capable of firing over long distances, its accuracy is drastically reduced at extreme ranges. Furthermore, it is harder to zero-in at targets beyond ‘standard’ visible range, even with a spotter guiding the gunner's aim. That said, a good two person team can overcome this to a large degree, although the lack of accuracy is still problematic.
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{1st}}


==Tactics==
==Notes==
===Campaign===
{{Ref/Notes}}
*In [[Outskirts (Level)|Outskirts]], it can be used to quickly take care of the [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]]. If sustained fire is poured on the doorway, the Hunters will be dead before the dust settles. On the [[Cairo Station (Level)|Cairo Station level]], players can use the M247 to eliminate the Covenant Boarding party when it docks early in the level. In [[Metropolis (Level)|Metropolis]], the M247 appears again towards the end of the level. Here, players can use the turret to quickly dispose of the [[Sangheili|Elites]], [[Unggoy|Grunts]], and [[Kig-yar|Jackals]] that come pouring out of the Scarab. In Quarantine Zone, however, a barricade of Flood man a triplet of turrets in front of the passageway to the gondola.


=== Multiplayer ===
*The turret usually overlooks a good area and is readily accessible. While the gunner is capable of cutting down waves of infantry, its location and value usually marks it as the immediate and (due to it's static state) "easy" target if the assailant can hit the gunner from behind. Because of this, it is a good idea for the gunner to have a spotter. This is always a good multiplayer tactic, but here it applies especially well as the gunner's rear is completely unprotected, unlike that of it's Covenant counterpart. The mobility of the [[Shielded Plasma Cannon]] is 360°, but the M247 only allows a 180° area of fire. Having an ally watching the gunner's back will substantially increase their effectiveness and potential lifespan.
*On maps with other vehicles, the gunner should be mindful of his limitations. The M247 is effective against infantry and light ground vehicles, not tanks. If an enemy [[Scorpion]] Tank or Wraith approaches, the occupant should find cover with utmost haste or be killed.
*When up against the M247, it is important to focus on the turret's three main weaknesses: its weakness to explosives, lack of cover, and the lack of mobility. Explosives will easily take the emplacement down, a sniper can take advantage of the gunner's lack of cover, and an experienced player will be able to get behind the gunner and take him or her out.
== Trivia ==
*In the ''Halo 3'' Beta, the packaging of the Machine Gun can be found in the map, High Ground.
*The M247 is replaced by the [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] in ''Halo 3''. This new variant can be detached from the fixed version, and has a total of 200 rounds of ammunition when detached.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Turret.jpg|M247 GPMG
File:M247 General Purpose Machine Gun.png|M247 GPMG in the portable version
File:Halo 2 Vista Marine.jpg|A Marine carrying the M247 GPMG
</gallery>
== Notes ==
<references group="Notes"/>
==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
== Related Links ==
*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]
*[[M41 LAAG]]


{{UNSC Infantry Weapons}}
{{UNSC support weapons}}
[[Category:Held Weapons]]
[[Category:Machine guns]]
[[Category:Human Weapons]]
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Weapons]]

Latest revision as of 17:57, July 22, 2024

M247 Heavy Machine Gun
An M247 machine gun product logo.

Full view of the M247 machine gun on the Halo Infinite multiplayer map Fragmentation.

Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1]

Model series:

M247 series

Type:

Machine gun

Variants:

Specifications

Length:

64.6 inches (164 cm)[1]

Ammunition type:

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

Feed system:

200-round box[1]

Operation:

Air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, drum/linkless-fed[2][Note 1]

Rate of fire:

Automatic[1]

Service history

In service:

 
The 247 has served in the UNSC arsenal for decades. In the semi-portable tripod configuration it is employed for site defense. It has effectively unlimited ammo supply while attached to the weapon mount.[3]

The M247 machine gun, or formally known as the M247 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), is a rapid-firing, automatic turreted machine gun in service with the United Nations Space Command. It is manufactured by Misriah Armory.[1]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M247 is an air-cooled, gas-operated, electrically fired, linkless-fed weapon that fires M340 12.7 x 99mm High Velocity, Explosive (HVE) rounds.[Note 1] The standard configuration of the M247 is affixed to a tripod turret base. Like many other UNSCDF support weapons, the M247 is fitted with a metal shield near the rear of its barrel to protect the user. The ammunition box is located behind this shield; the standard box contains 200 rounds. 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.[1]

Usage[edit]

The M247 is generally carried by a team of marines or a single Spartan, the M247 can neutralize heavily shielded enemies, light vehicles, and slower aircraft. It serves as the standardized HMG configuration of the UNSC Infinity's combat deployment.[1]

Variants[edit]

In-game information[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ a b Given their near-identical appearances, the M247 likely operates in the same manner as its M247H variant.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 174
  2. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 115
  3. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Forge - M247 HMG Turret description: "The 247 has served in the UNSC arsenal for decades. In the semi-portable tripod configuration it is employed for site defense. It has effectively unlimited ammo supply while atached to the weapon mount."
  4. ^ Halo Infinite, gameplay
  5. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Noble Intentions (Retrieved on Jul 8, 2016) [archive]
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 140-141