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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H2|HW|RVB|GOO|HGN}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Grammar}}
|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=.30 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=6 rounds per second
|capacity=100 rounds {{C|box magazine}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
| accuracy=short to Medium
|feed=Belt-fed
| range=Medium (2.000 metres)<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 317''</ref>
|operation=
| era=Halo 2
|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''' (abbreviated '''M247 GPMG'''), more commonly known as the '''GP Machine Gun Turret''', was an United Nations Space Command ground firearm.
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}}


==Design Details==
==Overview==
The General Purpose Machine Gun, that was normally seen as a stationary gun emplacement, is usually placed near defensive positions surrounding bases and fortifications. It is capable of spewing out an incredible number of .30-cal rounds. "7.62x51mm" is printed on the large UNSC 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 plate of armor to protect its operator from incoming fire, and is used as a defensive weapon by the UNSC. In addition, it is the only variant available in multiplayer.
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}}
#'''Portable''' - The second variant is a mobile version, in which the main gun is placed on a fold-able tripod or bipod for quick relocation and setup in the field. Though it lacks shielding, it can be moved from location to location by a single Marine. It is unavailable in multiplayer, and despite its portability, is unable to be picked up and moved when it appears in the campaign.
#'''[[Dropship 77-Troop Carrier|Pelican]]-mounted''' - This variation is mounted on the ceiling of the loading platform of the Pelican Dropship.
#'''[[M312 Elephant HRV|Elephant]]-mounted''' - This variation is attached to Elephants when they get 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 ===
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}}
The M247 is a very effective weapon against enemy ground forces and light vehicles. Some of its advantages over its [[Shielded Plasma Cannon]] counterpart are that it is less visible, and typically blending in better than the comparatively gaudy Shielded Plasma Cannon. Its rounds are also less visible. Although every 2nd round is an illuminated tracer, they stand out far less than the massive plasma bolts of the Shielded Plasma Cannon. The rate of fire of the M247 is also quite a lot faster than with the Shielded Plasma Cannon. It can also withstand a direct frontal hit from the main armament of a [[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]] or the [[M68 Gauss Cannon]], as long as the gunner has a high shield and health level. Its shots are more effective against armor and flesh than the plasma gun, which is more effective against shields. With its high rate of fire and flesh-tearing rounds, this weapon is often the most sought after weapon of choice.


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 quickly if hit with sustained fire: a target that is unshielded can take only two or three rounds before dying, a fully shielded target can survive seven or eight, and 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 rate of fire (six rounds per second) will make short work of the enemy.
===Variants===
*'''[[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.
*'''[[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.
<gallery>
File:HW Elephant Turret.png|M247 GPMGT.
File:H5G-M247H.png|M247H Heavy Machine Gun.
File:HReach-M247T-MMG-Side3.png|M247T Medium Machine Gun.
</gallery>


=== Disadvantages ===
==Operational history==
As with the Shielded Plasma Cannon, when one is using the M247, they are extremely exposed to enemy fire and become a target that any commander would want to eliminate immediately. A single hit by a [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]], the cannon of a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion tank]], or a well placed [[plasma grenade]] will destroy the turret. In addition, while it is capable of withstanding a direct hit from a Wraith or an M68 Gauss Cannon, it will also completely deplete the gunner's shields, leaving them vulnerable to a follow-up shot.
The M247 had entered service with the UNSC as early as [[2526]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=Obliv4|Oblv|Chapter=4}}


While it is useful against enemies in light vehicles, this is not a weapon to use when faced with an enemy tank, as the .30 cal rounds the M247 fires 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 common sense to flee the turret when confronted with a tank.
==Production notes==
[[File:H3_Alpha_HighGround.jpg|250px|thumb|An M247 on [[High Ground]] in an alpha build of ''Halo 3''.]]
{{Main|Cut Halo 2 weapons}}
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}}


As the turret has no shielding unlike the M247's Covenant counterpart, the gunner is completely exposed to enemy fire and very vulnerable to snipers and other scoped weapons. Due to the fact that the M247, can only rotate 180 degrees, it is advisable for a gunner to have an ally to watch their unprotected backside. Also, while this machine gun is capable of long ranged combat, its accuracy is reduced over long ranges due to bullet spread. Added in with the lower visibility of the rounds, it is harder to zero in at targets beyond ‘standard’ visible range, even with a forward observer guiding the gunner's aim. That said, a good two person team can overcome this to a large degree, although bullet spread is still a problem.
The grenade launcher machine gun attachment was recovered and restored for use in retail ''Halo 2'' by the [[Digsite]] project.{{Ref/Reuse|Discoveries}}


==Tactics==
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.
===Campaign===
*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)|Metorpolis]], the M247 appears again near at 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 ===
==Gallery==
*The turret usually overlooks a good area and is easily visible in the field of combat. While the gunner is capable of mowing down entire fields of infantry in enemies, it's location and level of threat usually marks it as the immediate (and, due to it's immobility) "easy" target if the assailant can hit the gunner from behind. Because of this, it is a good idea for the gunner to "Buddy Up". 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.
{{linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
*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 is approaching the turret, the occupant should find cover with utmost haste or be killed.
===Development images===
*When up against the M247, it is important to focus on the turret's three main weaknesses: its weakness to explosive weapons, such as rockets, grenades, and tanks, its lack of cover, and its immobility. Any explosive weapon will take the gun down easily, a sniper can take advantage of the gunner's lack of cover, and with the lack of movement an experienced player will be able to get behind it and take the gunner out.
<gallery>
File:H2 GPMG Concept.png|''Halo 2'' concept art of the M247.{{Ref/Reuse|AOHGrenadeLauncher}}
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>


== Trivia ==
===Screenshots===
*The turret, when destroyed, will sometimes not respawn, but the stand will remain, and it will be still usable. The bullets seem to come out of empty air.{{fact}}
*In the ''Halo 3'' Beta, the packaging of the Machine Gun can be found in the map, High Ground.{{fact}}
*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>
<gallery>
File:Turret.jpg|M247 GPMG
File:M247_1.png|The M247 GPMG in ''Halo 2''.
File:M247 General Purpose Machine Gun.png|M247 GPMG in the portable version
File:M247_3.png|Forward and rear views of a portable M247 GPMG in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Halo 2 Vista Marine.jpg|A Marine carrying the M247 GPMG
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>
</gallery>
== Notes ==
 
<references group="Notes"/>
==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==
==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 21:30, April 24, 2024

M247 General Purpose Machine Gun
H2A M247MG.png
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory

Type:

General-purpose machine gun

Variants:

Specifications

Length:

163 centimeters (64.1 in)[1][Note 1]

Weight:

  • Portable: 10 kilograms (23 lb)[2][3]
  • Mounted: 19.3 kilograms (42.5 lb)[2][3]

Ammunition type:

M118 Full Metal Jacket Armor-Piercing[2][3][1]

Capacity:

100 rounds (box magazine)[2][3]

Feed system:

Belt-fed

Effective range:

1,100 meters (3,600 ft)[2][3]

Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

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 heavy machine gun.[4]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M247 GPMG is chambered for the ubiquitous M118 7.62×51mm FMJ AP cartridge, unlike the M247H, which uses the 12.7mm high velocity cartridge.[4] Being a 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.[5][6]

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 Pelicans, 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.[6][7]

Variants[edit]

Operational history[edit]

The M247 had entered service with the UNSC as early as 2526.[8]

Production notes[edit]

High Ground, a Halo 3 multiplayer map.
An M247 on High Ground in an alpha build of Halo 3.
Main article: Cut Halo 2 weapons

During the production of Halo 2, the M247 was considered for inclusion as a first-person weapon, with a playable version in the files of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.[9] Another variant was also concepted and implemented in early builds, sporting a 20mm grenade launcher mounted atop the weapon.[10] The Art of Halo: Creating a Virtual World erroneously claims this weapon as a 25mm launcher.[11]

The grenade launcher machine gun attachment was recovered and restored for use in retail Halo 2 by the Digsite project.[10]

In Halo 3, a number of 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.

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ 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 150 centimeters (59 in).

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 331
  2. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 317
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 331
  4. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 115
  5. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Outskirts
  6. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Metropolis
  7. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Delta Halo
  8. ^ Halo: Oblivion, chapter 4
  9. ^ YouTube - Lord Zedd, Halo: MCC - Flying The Falcon in Halo 2 And More!
  10. ^ a b c d Halo Waypoint, Digsite Discoveries (Retrieved on Jul 17, 2023) [archive]
  11. ^ a b c The Art of Halo, page 109