M85 machine gun

Machine Gun, Cal .50, Fixed, M85
M85 machine gun
TypeHeavy machine gun
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used byU.S./NATO-aligned countries
WarsGulf War/Operation Desert Storm
Production history
ManufacturerGeneral Electric
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass65 lb (29.5 kg)
Length54.5 in (1,384.3 mm)

Cartridge12.7×99mm NATO (.50 BMG)
ActionRecoil-operated
Rate of fire400-625 rd/min
Muzzle velocity2,887 ft/s (880.0 m/s)
Effective firing range2,187 yd (1,999.8 m)
Maximum firing range7,330 yd (6,702.6 m)
Feed systemBelt Feed, left or right hand

The M85 is a heavy machine gun firing .50 BMG ammunition that was used primarily for turreted applications in armored fighting vehicles. It was intended to replace the venerable M2 machine gun with a smaller and much lighter weapon, suitable for use inside fighting vehicles, as opposed to only on external mounts. It was used on the M60[1] series of tanks and the LVTP-7 amphibious landing vehicle.

  1. ^ Hunnicutt, p. 6, 408