Vektor SS-77
Denel Land Systems · Machine Gun · In Production · 1986
Also known as: SS-77, Denel SS-77
Overview
The Vektor SS-77 is a South African general-purpose machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Developed during the international arms embargo against apartheid-era South Africa, it was designed to replace the Belgian FN MAG in service. The gas-operated, open-bolt weapon feeds from a disintegrating-link belt and features a quick-change barrel, gas regulator and bipod. It saw active use late in the South African Border War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 9600 g (338.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1155 mm (45.47") |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3350 J (2471 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as 7.62 NATO, .308 Winchester (commercial equivalent), 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Belt Fed, Bipod, Carrying Handle, Gas Regulator, Tripod Mountable
Variants
- Vektor SS-77 Compact — Compact
- Vektor Mini-SS — Caliber Conversion
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 1986 · as SS-77
- Colombian Armed Forces
- Malaysian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- South African Border War (1966-1989)
Production
Production years: 1986-present
Adopted by the SANDF and exported to several countries; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Richard Joseph Smith and Soregi
Notes
The Mini-SS variant rechambers the design to 5.56x45mm NATO as a light machine gun. The base SS-77 can be tripod-mounted for the sustained-fire role.
Background
The SS-77 takes its name from its two designers, Smith and Soregi, and 1977 - the year work began - after a United Nations arms embargo cut apartheid South Africa off from foreign weapons and forced it to build its own GPMG from scratch.