The US Military M274 Truck, Platform, Utility, 1⁄2 Ton, 4X4 or “Carrier, Light Weapons, Infantry, 1⁄2 ton, 4x4”, 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.
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