With its general purpose machine gun classification, the SS-77 is generally managed by two specially trained personnel. The primary operator is the firer who tracks targets visually and engages the trigger function. The secondary operator manages the belt feed to help avoid jams and helps clear jams when they emerge. He is also called upon to change the barrel assembly when it becomes overheated from repeated firing (this is another valuable use of the carrying handle). Additionally, the secondary operator can call out further targets to the primary operator through simple hand gestures or touches. When in transport, the primary operator carries the weapon while the secondary operator carries ammunition and any other mission equipment.
A more compact version of the SS-77 intended for patrolling elements was introduced under the applicable designation of "SS77 Compact". This version featured a telescoping buttstock as well as a relocated bipod and was shortened overall by some 80mm. Weight was further reduced to 20.5lbs. Four Picatinny rails were installed for the fitting of various accessories and optics. The finalized weapon now allowed operators the repeat firepower of a machine gun in a more compact form.
In due course, the popularity of the American 5.56x45mm cartridge in NATO service forced the development of a conversion kit for the SS-77 line. This gave rise to the "Mini-SS" which was nothing more than the basic SS-77 system with its new chambering as well as a new chromed barrel capped by a Fortex Flash Hider. The internal working components - the bolt, gas piston and feed assembly - were all replaced with the kit and appropriately modified for the cartridge. The kit therefore allowed SS-77 owners the ability to configure their existing stocks to the 5.56mm cartridge without any costly machine-sponsored modifications making changes in-the-field relatively painless. The weapon weighed in at just over 18lbs and sported a running length of 39.4 inches with a 20.2 inch long barrel. Muzzle velocity was 3,180 feet per second. The Mini-SS can therefore be used in the light machine gun or squad automatic weapon role with repeat volume fire coming from a more portable package (similar in scope to the American M249 SAW). The Mini-SS shares up to 70% commonality in parts with the SS-77 series. Interestingly, the Mini-SS can be converted back to its 7.62x51mm NATO chambering by reversing the conversion process and replacing the original parts making it something of a logistically-friendly weapon. The Mini-SS was first introduced in the 1990s.
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