Name: The best website for buying wholesale 11 Rubicon Models - M274 Mule .5 Ton 4x4 Utility Platform Truck Supply
SKU: 7B8D85056908B79A
Price: 11.00 USD
Availability: InStock

The US Military M274 Truck, Platform, Utility, 1⁄2 Ton, 4X4 or “Carrier, Light Weapons, Infantry, 1⁄2 ton, 4×4”, also known as the “Mule”, “Military Mule”, or “Mechanical Mule”, is a 4-wheel drive, gasoline-powered truck tractor type vehicle that can carry up to 1⁄2 short ton (0.45 tonnes) off-road. It was introduced in 1956 and used until the 1980s.

The M274 Mule was introduced in 1956 to supplement both the 1⁄4-short-ton (0.23-tonne) trucks (“Jeeps”) and 3⁄4-short-ton (0.68-tonne) trucks (Weapons Carrier Series and M37 series) in airborne and infantry battalions. The M274 evolved from improvements to a vehicle designed at the end of World War Two by Willys-Overland as a medical evacuation litter carrier from areas and terrain that would be a problem for the standard light vehicle of the period (the Jeep) to access.

A total of 11,240 Mules produced between 1956 and 1970 when production ceased. They were used throughout as platforms for various weapons systems and for carrying men, supplies, and weaponry ammunition during the Vietnam War and in other US military operations until the 1980s. As a completely open and exposed vehicle, they offered absolutely no protection to the driver, yet that was relatively unimportant as they were mainly used as cargo carriers and medium-range infantry support vehicles, rather than tactical vehicles.

The driver’s seat could be removed and the steering column moved forward and the vehicle driven in reverse to accommodate more cargo. If under fire the steering column could be moved further forward and down, so the operator could operate the vehicle while crawling behind it. They were phased out from military usage in the 1980s with the introduction of the HMMWV series vehicles. The HMMWV was, however, unable to fulfill the role of the Mule, so the M-Gator, a military variant of the popular John Deere Gator vehicle, was introduced.

The M274 Mules were often outfitted with a wide array of weaponry, especially in the Vietnam War. They could be modified to carry virtually any type of conventional weapon that could be mounted on a truck. Most commonly, the M274 was outfitted with M60 7.62mm NATO light machine guns, M2HB .50 Caliber machine guns, M40 106mm recoilless rifles, and TOW anti-tank missile systems.

Product Highlights:
– Wood crates, ammo can & tubes, and ration container included
– Optional M2HB HMG and M60 LMG included
– M40 106mm recoilless rifle optional (not included)
– Driver included

Plastic kit, supplied unassembled and unpainted.

The whole mounting can be placed on an M151 Jeep for mobile use and can also be mounted on M274 “Mule” and M113 APC as well. A special vehicle called the M50 Ontos carried six M40s (a version specific to the T195E5 mount, the M40A1C, was used) and was used only by the US Marine Corps. The M40 remains in widespread use in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. With the introduction of anti-tank missiles the M40 is often relegated to a secondary role and nowadays is mostly used as a support weapon for infantry operations.

Product Highlights:
– Can be mounted on the M274 and M113
– Breech in firing or loading mode
– Spare ammunition included
– 4 weapon crew included

Plastic kit, supplied unassembled and unpainted.

The PT-76 was used as the standard reconnaissance tank of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact armies. It was also intended for water obstacle fording operations and naval infantry landings. It served in the reconnaissance subunits of tank divisions and mechanized divisions of the Red Army and Soviet marines divisions. Although it has been replaced in front line service by the BMP-1, it may still be found in the reconnaissance companies and battalions of some motorized rifle and tank regiments and divisions, as well as in naval infantry units. Aside from its reconnaissance role, it is also used for crossing water obstacles in the first wave of an attack and for artillery support during the establishment of a beachhead. The PT-76 is still on active service in a number of countries mainly in the developing world.

Product Highlights:
– Option to build either a PT-76 or PT-76B with waterline option
– Choice of two muzzle brakes & optional DShK 1938 HMG
– Open or closed crew hatches & rear hydro jet outlet lids
– Trim board in extended or stowed position
– Highly detailed track links
– Tank crew included

Plastic kit, supplied unassembled and unpainted.