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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Era|H2|HW|RVB|GOO|HGN}}
|name=M247 General Purpose Machine Gun
{{Cleanup}}
|image=[[File:H2A M247MG.png|300px]]
{{Weapon
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]
| image=[[File:Gun_Turret_2.jpg|255px|]]
|series=
| name=General Purpose Machine Gun
|type=[[Machine gun|General-purpose machine gun]]
| manufacturer=
|cost=
| model=M247 General Purpose Machine Gun
|variant=
| type=Turret
*[[M247H machine gun]]
| cost=
*[[M247T machine gun]]
| size=*Portable: 156 centimeters
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
*Mounted: 154.5 centimeters
|length={{Convert|64.1|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc11|Page=331}}{{Ref/Note|The length stat used on this article reflects that provided in the 2022 ''Halo Encyclopedia'' book, using the ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' campaign model of the turret as a base. In the original 2009 and 2011 editions of the book, the length given was {{Convert|59|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}.}}
| damage per hit=Medium
|width=
| magazine=Unlimited
|height=
| maxammo=Unlimited
|weight=
| fire=Fully automatic
*Portable: {{Convert|23|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=317}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=331}}
| ammotype= 7.62x51mm NATO caliber rounds
*Mounted: {{Convert|42.5|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
| operation=
|ammotype=[[7.62x51mm|M118 Full Metal Jacket Armor-Piercing]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
| rate of fire=about 600 RPM
|capacity=100 rounds {{C|box magazine}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
| accuracy=Short to Medium
|feed=Belt-fed
| range=Long (1,100 metres)<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 317''</ref>
|operation=
| era=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|rate=
| counterpart=*Mounted:[[Type-26 Anti-Infantry Stationary Gun|Shade]]
|velocity=
*Portable:[[Type-42 Directed Energy Support Weapon|Plasma Cannon]]
|optics=
| counterwep=Explosives and Scoped weapons
|range={{Convert|1100|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
}}
}}
The '''M247 General Purpose Machine Gun''' ('''GPMG''') is a machine gun used extensively by the armed forces of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. It is a scaled-down version of the [[M247H machine gun|M247H heavy machine gun]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=115}}
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.


==Overview==
==Design Details==
===Design details===
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'':
The M247 GPMG is chambered for the ubiquitous [[7.62x51mm|M118 7.62×51mm FMJ AP cartridge]], unlike the M247H, which uses the [[Wikipedia:.50 BMG|12.7mm high velocity cartridge]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Being a [[wikipedia:General-purpose machine gun|general-purpose machine gun]], the M247 is fed via a belt box on the right side of the gun and is usually deployed on a tripod. The weapon's mobility allows personnel to quickly establish defensive perimeters or to provide suppressing fire.{{Ref/Level|Id=Outskirts|H2|Outskirts}}{{Ref/Level|Id=Metropolis|H2|Metropolis}}
#'''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.
#'''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 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 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.
#'''M247-TMMG (M247 Tank Mounted Machine Gun)''' - This variant is equipped on the Grizzly and Scorpion main battle tanks for anti-infantry combat.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''Leader Cards''</ref>


Although it is usually used as a mobile support weapon, the M247 GPMG is often permanently turret-mounted and bolted to the ground, with a large slab of armor protecting the operator. In this configuration, the weapon is fed by a drum magazine, which is considerably larger than the standard box magazine. The M247 GPMG is also commonly mounted in the troop bays of [[D77-TC Pelican]]s, which allows the dropship's crew chief to provide suppressing fire for embarking and disembarking troops; many Pelican-mounted M247s are equipped with an underslung drum magazine to complement the belt feed.{{Ref/Reuse|Metropolis}}{{Ref/Level|H2|Delta Halo}}
=== Advantages ===
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, unlike 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.


===Variants===
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.
*'''[[M247 General Purpose Machine Gun Turret Autocannon]]''': This variant is an autocannon that can be placed on the [[M312 Elephant]].
 
*'''[[M247H Heavy Machine Gun]]''':  This variant is the most widely used turreted machine gun in service.
=== Disadvantages ===
*'''[[M247T Medium Machine Gun]]''': This variant is outfitted mostly on the [[M808 Scorpion]] and [[M850 Grizzly]] main battle tanks as an onboard anti-infantry weapon.
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 kill 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.
<gallery>
 
File:HW Elephant Turret.png|M247 GPMGT.
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.
File:H5G-M247H.png|M247H Heavy Machine Gun.
File:HReach-M247T-MMG-Side3.png|M247T Medium Machine Gun.
</gallery>


==Operational history==
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.
The M247 had entered service with the UNSC as early as [[2526]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=Obliv4|Oblv|Chapter=4}}


==Production notes==
==Tactics==
[[File:H3_Alpha_HighGround.jpg|250px|thumb|An M247 on [[High Ground]] in an alpha build of ''Halo 3''.]]
===Campaign===
{{Main|Cut Halo 2 weapons}}
*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.
During the [[Development of Halo 2|production]] of ''[[Halo 2]]'', the M247 was considered for inclusion as a first-person weapon, with a [[Cut Halo 2 weapons##General-purpose machine gun (GPMG)|playable version]] in the files of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=Zedd|KsAV1p_yXYo|Lord Zedd|Halo: MCC - Flying The Falcon in Halo 2 And More!}} Another variant was also concepted and implemented in early builds, sporting a [[Cut Halo 2 weapons#Machine gun turret with grenade launcher|20mm grenade launcher]] mounted atop the weapon.{{Ref/Site|Id=Discoveries|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/digsite-discoveries|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Digsite Discoveries|D=17|M=07|Y=2023}} ''[[The Art of Halo: Creating a Virtual World]]'' erroneously claims this weapon as a 25mm launcher.{{Ref/Book|Id=AOHGrenadeLauncher|AoH|Page=109}}


The grenade launcher machine gun attachment was recovered and restored for use in retail ''Halo 2'' by the [[Digsite]] project.{{Ref/Reuse|Discoveries}}
=== 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.


In ''[[Halo 3]]'', a number of [[List of UNSC crates|UNSC crates]] bear decals listing their contents as the M247, despite the game replacing the weapon with the [[AIE-486H machine gun]]. The decals reuse the label text and information from their equivalents in ''Halo 2'', except for changing the crate's icon to the AIE. The M247 was present in early builds of ''Halo 3'', though would ultimately be replaced for final release.
== Trivia ==
*This weapon shares a very similar name to the real-world Belgian M249 and M240 machine guns, as well as sharing a similar design and combat role.
*In the ''Halo 3'' Beta, the packaging of the M247 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.
*Oddly, this weapon is classified as a general purpose machine gun or medium machine gun, even though it uses the 7.62x51mm round. This round (in the time of Halo's universe) is considered an intermediate round used in assault rifles and light machine guns, which would classify the M247 as an LMG. Even more oddly, ''Halo 3's'' [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] is classified as a heavy machine gun even though it too uses the 7.62x51mm. It seems that the UNSC classifies their infantry machine guns based on weight and overall bulk rather than caliber.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
<gallery widths="150" orientation="landscape">
===Development images===
File:Turret.jpg|M247 GPMG
<gallery>
File:M247 General Purpose Machine Gun.png|M247 GPMG in the portable version
File:H2 GPMG Concept.png|''Halo 2'' concept art of the M247.{{Ref/Reuse|AOHGrenadeLauncher}}
File:Halo 2 Vista Marine.jpg|A Marine carrying the M247 GPMG
File:H2A_M247MachineGun_Concept.jpg|Concept art for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A_M247Base_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the base for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A_M247PelicanMount_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the weapon's Pelican mount for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:HTMCC_H2_GPMG_FP.png|The GPMG in first-person.
File:H2 GPMG GrenadeLauncher.png|An image of a [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] using an M247 GPMG with the grenade launcher attachment.{{Ref/Reuse|AOHGrenadeLauncher}}
File:H2 Digsite M247GPMG GrenadeLauncher 1.jpg|The restored GPMG with 20mm launcher, given functionality by Digsite.{{Ref/Reuse|Discoveries}}
File:H2 Digsite M247GPMG GrenadeLauncher 2.jpg|Master Chief firing the now-functional grenade launcher.{{Ref/Reuse|Discoveries}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Screenshots===
== Notes ==
<gallery>
<references group="Notes"/>
File:M247_1.png|The M247 GPMG in ''Halo 2''.
==Sources==
File:M247_3.png|Forward and rear views of a portable M247 GPMG in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
<references/>
File:H2-M247GPMG.png|A turret-mounted M247 GPMG.
File:H2-M247_GPMG_turret_views.png|Views of a turret-mounted M247 GPMG.
File:M247 General Purpose Machine Gun.png|A Marine using the portable version of the M247 GPMG.
File:Halo 2 Vista Marine.jpg|A Marine carrying a portable M247 GPMG.
File:H2 - Pelican M247.jpg|A Marine door gunner operating an M247 GMPG mounted on the rear hatch of a Pelican.
File:H2 mp waterworks turret.jpg|A Spartan using an M247 GPMG on the multiplayer map [[Waterworks]].
File:H2A - I Know What the Ladies Like.jpg|Sergeant Johnson arms an M247 mounted into the bay of a Pelican.
File:H2ACampaign CairoMarineGunner.png|A Marine mans an M247 against the Covenant aboard ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]''.
File:H2ACP-M247HUD.png|HUD of the M247 in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' campaign.
File:H2A Outskirts John117MG.jpg|John-117 manning an M247.
File:M247shield.png|A shield version of the M247.
File:H2A Marine M247.png|A marine carrying the M247.
File:H2A-M247&M247H.png|An M247 with an M247H.
File:H2AMP-M247HUD.png|HUD of the M247 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' multiplayer.
File:H2A-M247&M247H2.png|A Sangheili firing an M247 on [[Skyward]].
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
== Related Links ==
{{Ref/Sources}}
*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]]
*[[M41 LAAG]]


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

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