Type 85 Heavy Machine Gun
Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) · Machine Gun · In Service · 1985
Also known as: Type 85 HMG, QJZ-85
Overview
The Type 85 is a Chinese NORINCO 12.7x108mm heavy machine gun adopted in the mid-1980s as an evolutionary refinement of the Type 77. It retains the Type 77's direct gas-impingement action with a flap-locking bolt and tubular receiver, but replaces the dual spade-grip arrangement with a sliding trigger unit and horizontal grips inspired by Czechoslovak designs, while shaving several kilograms off the gun's weight. It serves the PLA in the anti-aircraft and anti-materiel roles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 24000 g (846.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 2150 mm (84.65") |
| Barrel Length | 1003 mm (39.49") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Magazine Capacity | 60 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 825 m/s (2707 fps) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 675 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 12.7x108mm · primary — also known as 12.7 Soviet, 12.7mm DShK, 12.7x108mm Russian
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Metal Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tripod Mounted, Quick Change Barrel, Sliding Trigger Unit, Horizontal Grips, Anti Aircraft Capable, Belt Fed
Variants
- W-95 — Export Caliber
Base model
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1985 · as Type 85
Production
Production years: 1985-present
PLA service weapon; lighter refinement of the Type 77
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The Type 85 is distinct from the W-85: it uses direct gas impingement and a tubular receiver, whereas the W-85 uses a conventional gas piston and a rectangular receiver. The .50 BMG (12.7x99mm) export adaptation is the W-95.
Background
Borrowing a sliding horizontal-grip trigger pack from Czechoslovak machine guns, the Type 85 trimmed the Type 77 down by several kilograms while keeping its tubular receiver, and is easily confused with the unrelated W-85 that shares its calendar year but not its internals.