M274-A5 Military Mule

Manufacturer: Battlefield Industries
Year Built

The U.S. Military M274 Truck, Platform, Utility, 1/2 Ton, 4X4 or “Carrier, Light Weapons, Infantry, 1/2 ton, 4×4” aka “Mule,” “Military Mule,” or “Mechanical Mule” is a 4-wheel drive, gasoline-powered truck/tractor type vehicle that can carry up to a 1/2 ton off-road. It was introduced in 1956 and used until the 1980s. The M274 Mules were often outfitted with a wide array of weaponry, especially in the Vietnam War. 11,240 mules were made and approximately 5,000 were destroyed or left in Vietnam.

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
  • 106 mm Recoilless Rifles
  • TOW anti-tank missile systems
  • M134 Minigun

Maximum Speed: 25 miles per hour
Empty Weight: 795 pounds
Loaded Weight: 1870 pounds
Length: 118.25 inches
Height: 50 inches
Width: 46.6 Inches
Engines: Willys AO4-4-53 16 hp (12 kW)
Transmission: 3 speed x 2 range transfer case
Operational range: 108 miles
Fuel Capacity: 8 US gallons
Fording Depth: 18 Inches