G.I. Joe PAC/RAT Machine Gun – 1983

​

Overview

​

• Release Year: 1983

• Manufacturer: Hasbro

• Toy Line: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

• Type: Remote-controlled robotic weapons platform

• Full Name: Programmed Assault Computer / Rapid All-Terrain (PAC/RAT)

• Faction: G.I. Joe Team

• Function: Automated mobile machine gun support system

The Machine Gun PAC/RAT was one of three PAC/RAT battlefield systems released in 1983, together with the Flamethrower and Missile Launcher variants.

​

Features

​

• Quad-Barrel Machine Gun: Four rotating gun barrels mounted on the top turret

• Three-Legged Walking Design: Robotic all-terrain support platform with articulated legs

• Remote Control Activator: Handheld controller sized for G.I. Joe figures

• Movable Weapons System: Guns elevate and swivel for combat positioning

• Compact Battlefield Support: Designed as portable infantry fire support

• Detailed Sculpting: Olive-green military styling with realistic mechanical details

The PAC/RAT units featured multiple movable and removable parts, which made them very interactive for early 1980s toys.

​

Fun Facts

​

• “PAC/RAT” stands for Programmed Assault Computer / Rapid All-Terrain.

• The Machine Gun version is often remembered as the most versatile PAC/RAT because of its rotating quad guns.

• The PAC/RATs appeared in the animated series and Marvel comics as remote-controlled support weapons.

• Collectors frequently lose the original pistol-grip remote controller, making complete sets harder to find.

• The PAC/RAT systems were later reissued through Hasbro mail-away offers during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

​

Collector Notes

​

• The remote-control activator is one of the most commonly missing parts.

• Leg joints and gun mounts can become loose or brittle with age.

• Original decals often fade or peel over time.

• European Action Force versions can be more fragile because of different plastic materials.