M1278A1 Heavy Guns Carrier Modification with the MCTAGS
I Love Kit 63558

Kit Description

The M1278A1 Heavy Guns Carrier (HGC) is a specialized version of the American Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), designed to provide fire support to infantry units. This variant is equipped with a remotely controlled or manned MCTAGS (Marine Corps Transparent Armored Gun Shield) weapon system, which provides the operator with high ballistic protection while maintaining excellent battlefield visibility. Combining high mobility, high protection, and powerful armament, the M1278A1 is a modern support vehicle used by the United States Marine Corps.

Model

The kit depicts the M1278A1 Heavy Guns Carrier equipped with the MCTAGS system, featuring a distinctive shielded combat turret and heavy weaponry. The model faithfully reproduces both the armored body and interior and running gear components.

Key features:

• over 420 parts,
• length of the finished model: 153.9 mm,
• detailed cabin made using multi-slide mold technology,
• realistically reproduced interior with dashboard, seats, and equipment,
• complete drivetrain including engine, gearbox, differentials, and suspension,
• precisely reproduced MCTAGS weapon system with armored gunnery protection,
• faithfully reproduced heavy onboard weapons with mounting details,
• rubber tires with realistic tread,
• precisely reproduced wheel hubs,
• photo-etched parts for increased detail,
• transparent window and optical shield elements.

This kit allows you to build a vehicle in the desert paint scheme used by the United States Marine Corps. Decals include service markings, instrument panels, and identification numbers for several vehicles.

The model does not include glue or paints, which must be purchased separately.

Original History

The M1278A1 Heavy Guns Carrier is one of the variants of the JLTV family developed by Oshkosh Defense as a successor to the HMMWV vehicle family. The JLTV program was created in response to the need for a lightweight tactical vehicle that would provide significantly improved mine and ballistic protection while maintaining high off-road mobility.

The Heavy Guns Carrier version was designed to provide direct fire support. The MCTAGS station allows the operator to fire from behind armored, transparent covers, increasing safety during combat operations. Vehicles of this type are primarily used by the United States Marine Corps, where they serve as mobile weapons platforms.

Original Specifications

• Type: Light Armored Tactical Fire Support Vehicle
• Country: United States
• Manufacturer: Oshkosh Defense
• Vehicle Family: JLTV
• Drivetrain: Banks 866T V8 diesel engine
• Drivetrain: 4×4
• Maximum Speed: Approximately 110 km/h
• Combat Weight: Approximately 10–11 t (depending on configuration)
• Crew: 4 people
• Armature: Heavy Machine Gun or Automatic Grenade Launcher mounted in the system MCTAGS

FAQ

Does the model have a detailed interior?
Yes. The cockpit includes a detailed interior with a dashboard, seats, and equipment.

Does the model represent the complete drivetrain?
Yes. The kit includes a detailed engine, gearbox, differentials, and suspension.

Does the model include the MCTAGS system?
Yes. The most important element of the kit is the distinctive MCTAGS armored weapon station with its heavy onboard weapon.

Are the tires made of rubber?
Yes. The manufacturer used rubber tires with realistic treads.

Does the kit include photo-etched parts?
Yes. The set includes a photo-etched part for the finest details of the model.

Does the model include glue and paints?
No. Glue and paints must be purchased separately.