Type 80 machine gun
| Industry | Defense, firearms manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Type 80 general-purpose machine gun |
The Type 80 () is a general-purpose machine gun manufactured by Norinco in China, developed as a derivative of the Soviet PKM. Completed in 1980, it was introduced into PLA service by 1983 as a possible replacement for the domestically designed Type 67 machine gun. Despite favorable performance during evaluations in the Chengdu Military Region, the PLA decided to continue using the Type 67 for widespread deployment.
Only a small number of Type 80 units were allocated to the People's Liberation Army Marine Corps and airborne formations. An adapted variant, known as the Type 86, was accepted for use by PLA armored forces, illustrating strategic diversification within China’s military branches.
History
The development of this GPMG began after Chinese engineers examined PKMs seized from Vietnamese troops during the Sino-Vietnamese War.
Changfeng Machinery was tasked with producing the CS/LM4 model, which is chambered for 7.62 NATO ammunition. This particular version aims to serve nations transitioning from Soviet, Eastern European, or Chinese small arms calibers to NATO-standard rounds.
Design
Chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge, the Type 80 operates via a gas system and is an air-cooled, belt-fed automatic firearm. It can be deployed using either a tripod mount or a foldable bipod positioned beneath the barrel.
In its light machine gun configuration, it uses 100-round belts, while on a tripod it can accommodate belts holding 200 or 250 rounds. The weapon comes equipped with open iron sights but supports attachments such as optical scopes or night-vision devices.
Variants
- Type 80 – A replication of the PKM GPMG firing 7.62×54mmR; its updated model bears resemblance to the PKP "Pecheneg".
- Type 86 – A secondary armament designed for mounting on tanks.
- CF06 – An export-specific Type 80 variant chambered in 7.62 NATO rounds. Initiated in mid-2006 with prototype evaluations in early 2007, production commenced between April and May 2007, followed by official adoption in January 2008. This model features polymer components replacing original wooden parts and has a barrel lifespan of 25,000 rounds distributed across two barrels. It is also referred to as the CS/LM4 GPMG () since 2008.
Foreign variants
- Mokhtar – A Sudanese-produced version of the Type 80 manufactured by the Military Industry Corporation, chambered in 7.62x54R.
Users
- : Employed in limited capacity by Chinese special operations units.
- : Utilized by police forces during its independence conflict.
- : Seized from militants in Kashmir and subsequently used by Indian military personnel.
- : Operated by Malta’s Armed Forces.
- :
- South Sudan Democratic Movement: Mokhtar variant
- South Sudan Defence Forces: Type 80
- : Produced locally under the name Mokhtar; also fields Chinese-made Type 80s.
- : Used by Somali military; some captured by Al-Shabaab insurgents.
- : Around 200 Type 80 GPMGs supplied via Norinco under defense cooperation agreements.
- : Procured approximately 2,800 units for Border Guards and Infantry Commando Brigades.
Non-State Actors
- Boko Haram
- Hamas
- Libyan National Army
- South Sudan Democratic Movement
- South Sudan Liberation Movement
- Nuer militias in South Sudan
See also
- PK/PKM: The original model.
- UKM-2000: Polish adaptation of the PKM chambered for 7.62mm NATO rounds.
- Zastava M84: Yugoslavian and Serbian variant based on the PKM design.