“The only safe way to move troops and diplomats” along the deadliest stretch of road in Iraq “is in convoys of custom-made $275,000 armored buses,” Defense News says.
The buses, called “Rhinos,” look like something out of The Road Warrior… They roll in the dead of night, escorted by armored Humvees, with the road sealed to all other traffic and AH-64 Apache gunships loitering overhead.
The Rhino is all flat slabs of gray or off-white steel (there are two models in service) with passenger windows angled in streamlined fashion, like an old-time Greyhound bus, as the only concession to aesthetics.
The beauty of these buses is not in their graceful lines they are as graceful as a refrigerator. Rather, their attractiveness lies in the armor, which covers the sides, tops and bottoms of the five buses in service in Baghdad. Twenty-six passengers ride in relative comfort on functional if not stylish vinyl seats.
The buses, each weighing about 13 tons and featuring bullet-resistant glass and 12 gun ports along with all that armor, are manufactured by Weston, Fla.-based Labock Technologies at the companys plant in Ashdod, Israel.
Until three months ago, the only safe ways to move diplomats, contractors and others working for the government between the airport and the Green Zone [along “Route Irish” aka “the Road of Death” — ed.] was by Rhino or helicopter. Now, the helicopters are being used elsewhere, and the only remaining safe ride is on the Rhino…
About three months ago, a Rhino took a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade. “Nobody was hurt except for some minor bumps and bruises,” said Army Maj. Sharon Smith, of the Joint Area Support Group, who books the Rhino convoys.
Rhino maker Labock also claims that “it was the vehicle of choice employed by the military to provide safe ground transportation for the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mr. Donald Rumsfeld, and General Dick Myers and his staff while they were visiting Baghdad in may 2004. It is also the vehicle of choice to drive Saddam Hussein and other V.I.P. prisoners between their confinements and the Iraqi Tribunal.“
THERE’S MORE: For first-hand accounts of folks who’ve ridden the bus on the Route of Death, check out the comments section.
I fully agree with waht TRM said and how he thinks, but I know others do not so I guess everyone has an opinion so heres mine…We are there for a reason, we went and took Saddam down and now are working on restoring peace and civilization. Now I cannot fully understand because I was not over there but my dad was and saw it all, from dead civilians ( if any), soldiers ( God rest their souls), and freinds getting wounded and saying this respectfully, killed. I am still young (15) and being that he was over there I have a sense of what he and other fellow Army-Navy-Air Force-National Guard-Marine Corps soldiers, and any that I may have forgotten at the moment. They put their lives on the line so those that oppose the war can wake up and drink coffee and enjoy their freedom , which I may add is being held up for them by these soldiers. Everyone one of those soldiers that die over and any man or woman who goes over there has my respect and prayers.
It loks formidable. And it looks like a target. Breaks a couple of rules. Need a bus that looks like a bus and still has good protection.
Seth
Must be nice, I saw one of them just sitting at the Palace side of Victory, while we were still using regular charter buses for the trip from BIAP to the Green Zone.
Contrary to some ad hominem attacks (you know who you are), Democrats, liberals, moderates, conservatives, Libertarians, and Republicans who thought George W. Bush lied in order to get us into war in Iraq support the troops with all our hearts. We want them safe, to be and feel supported, and loved. No question. However, apparently you Bush fans don’t care that George W. Bush lied and hyped in order to get us into Iraq in the first place (connection with Al Qaeda?; inspectors can’t do the job?; “last throes”?; huh??), when the overwhelming consensus in the IC (intelligence community) and Pentagon was that Iraq was no threat. Yeah, we’re there, and the demagoguery of some aside, we’re over it, but that doesn’t mean some folks need to impugn the patriotism of those who are dismayed that Mr. Bush was quite happy to lie his ass off so that 1700+ of our best young people could die in the most ineptly justified and planned operation post-WWII alongside the Bay of Pigs. You folks who are Bush/Cheney fans should be livid as hell about what lies Bush and Cheney are spouting off, and spouted off to begin with. They need to level with the American public. They’ve not done so since they used 9/11 as an excuse to shift the focus from Al Qaeda to Iraq. Now, according to the CIA, Bush and co. have transformed Iraq into the largest haven of terrorists in the world, and the most sophisticated terrorist factory/laboratory in the world, where they will gain experience to export their hate around the world. It’s a damned shame Bush fans didn’t turn on their brains and hold George W. Bush accountable. One thing’s for sure: he’ll be accountable to God for wanting war in Iraq more than anything else.
Contrary to some ad hominem attacks (you know who you are), Democrats, liberals, moderates, conservatives, Libertarians, and Republicans who thought George W. Bush lied in order to get us into war in Iraq support the troops with all our hearts. We want them safe, to be and feel supported, and loved. No question. However, apparently you Bush fans don’t care that George W. Bush lied and hyped in order to get us into Iraq in the first place (connection with Al Qaeda?; inspectors can’t do the job?; “last throes”?; huh??), when the overwhelming consensus in the IC (intelligence community) and Pentagon was that Iraq was no threat. Yeah, we’re there, and the demagoguery of some aside, we’re over it, but that doesn’t mean some folks need to impugn the patriotism of those who are dismayed that Mr. Bush was quite happy to lie his ass off so that 1700+ of our best young people could die in the most ineptly justified and planned operation post-WWII alongside the Bay of Pigs. You folks who are Bush/Cheney fans should be livid as hell about what lies Bush and Cheney are spouting off, and spouted off to begin with. They need to level with the American public. They’ve not done so since they used 9/11 as an excuse to shift the focus from Al Qaeda to Iraq. Now, according to the CIA, Bush and co. have transformed Iraq into the largest haven of terrorists in the world, and the most sophisticated terrorist factory/laboratory in the world, where they will gain experience to export their hate around the world. It’s a damned shame Bush fans didn’t turn on their brains and hold George W. Bush accountable. One thing’s for sure: he’ll be accountable to God for wanting war in Iraq more than anything else.
There have been some interesting comments regarding using APCs such as the M113 to safely transport American troops through dangerous areas, such as:
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This bus could never be able to handle the same sort of punishment as proper APCs, for instance both in all-terrain capability as well as in the ability to withstand mines and IEDs.
and
The BUS however, is a temporary solution to a nagging problem. My personal favorite solution is to equip units with M113’s, an aging, but cheap solution to urban and insurgent operations. Lean is one thing, but lean and safe is another.
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The M113 is a lightly armoured vehicle constructed largely out of light weight aluminum and designed for speed and not for strength. An M-16 bullet can pierce its armour from close range. It provides more protection than riding in an open jeep, but it certainly does not provide sufficient protection for troops against road side bombs.
I can also personally attest an M113 is very uncomfortable to ride in, but that’s a minor consideration.
Yap, yap, yap. I wish you underclass peasants would quit making such a clamor. Can’t you see I’m sitting in my mansion relaxing and playing golf? Just get out there and protect the contractors as we secure the oil. We’ll let you know when you can come back. Please, just don’t try to rub elbows with us when (most of you) get back either, you’re just not in the same class. Now, say “Sir, yes sir” and be on your way.
I WANT KNOWE THINGH A BOUT WORD BEAUTIFUL WOMEN.
Brad. I appreciate your thoughtful posting. I admire the way you stated the facts without using profanity. I totally agree. All you “over there” I know its hard to ignore the ignorant, but continue to do so. By telling these people they’re immature, does nothing. They’re selfish and immature and should be IGNORED. They are a waste of space and are few among many. They do not account for the majority. We here support you and what you are doing. God Bless You All!! Thank you for your sacrifice and your sense of duty. Semper Fi.
I am proud of the job the military is doing. The people of Iraq are suffering, but they don’t complain because they are happy for the freedom we have given them. They have newspapers now, thousands of them. They have debate on the radio and on tv. They can vote, and demonstrate in the streets. The men of Saudi Arabia voted for the first time not too long ago. Women in Saudi Arabia may vote in the near future. Someday, women in Saudi Arabia may even drive! We are welcoming a civilization into the 21st century, you have to expect some turmoil.
The buses are needed for the diplomats and VIPs. Soldiers can shoot and scoot.
I was on the Rhino Bus Last November, when it was hit by the Suicide bomber. A blue BMW 3 series, fairly new one too. I watched the vehicle come across the waste ground to our right swerve inbetween the secound vehicle and the first, which i was sat in the back seat of. It was between the two vehicles about 8m from us when the guy detonated. He was an arab (obviously) around 22 — 26 years old wearing a blue checked shirt and was clean shaven. This i remember vividly cos as an ex-military type with many years active service behind me, i thought “were done for here”. But thanks to this remarkable vehicle i am still here.
I have also done the same route several times since then in the Rhino, and feel very safe my life is in good hands.
Three cheers for the Rhino gets my vote.
The “Rhinos” are the same for the troupe in Iraq,
as the “Elephants” were for the Russians in the
Gulag.
THANKS FOR LOVING THE BUS. BUT HOW STUPID ARE WE TOO ANNOUNCE WHO WE TRANSPORT ON IT… THANKYOU ALL I FELL ALOT SAFER NOW THAT ALL THE IRAQ’S KNOW.… LETS THINK BEFORE WE WRITE CLASSIFIED INFO ON THE NET.…
I can’t believe all the fuss about why “only diplomats and contactors” get to ride “the bus”. First of all, that isn’t true. Anyone going in the same direction can get a ride, if there’s room. How many “diplomats and contractors” do you think ride the “bus route” on a nightly basis? Get real, State Department personnel might have priority, but they’re a tiny minority of bus passengers.
Second, there’s the question of numbers. We own five rhinos. There are tens of thousands of soldiers in Baghdad…hmmmm.…
Okay, look at the two methods of travel used by soldiers, helicopter and humvee. Well, it’s been a while since a helicopter got shot down, so I imagine that’s a bit safer than the rhino. And what’s wrong with a soldier on his way back from leave getting a ride in a humvee? Isn’t that what he does on a daily basis anyway? Ride around Baghdad in a Humvee?
You are correct Connor.
US 1st and 29th Divisions together suffered around 2000 casualties at Omaha Beach.
One day=2000
3 years=2000
If people want to debate the war and politics at least make sure you actually know what your talking about!!! you’re obviously connected to the internet so put it to good use and google the issues!
On the subject of the bus:
I think the rhino is very cool and I would feel safe driving on one (I may even get to as I am a photojournalist) but I would still prefer an APC. As for the troops I think between the upgraded humvees, M113’s and M2 Bradley IFV’s they are pretty well covered (though the millitary has got to stop transporting people in those flatbed trucks-IED and RPG magnet)
can anyone tell me how much $$$ is costs to get a ride from the IZ to BIAP? Is it easy to catch a ride on it?
Body armor isnt the only short sighted Iraq war supply quirk i want to talk about. Why didnt our government seriously invest any thought in or even concieve of fielding major technology in specialized armored heavy and light heavy trucks and light trucks years before the war in Iraq. Winning or loosing could depend on it. Thousands of our troops are vulnerable each day driving tin can un armored death traps. A good portion of the death and chaos in iraq for US troops seems to stem from attacks from IEDs,RPGs,and truck bombs involving convoys with conventional un armored or poorly armored trucks and hummers. Major blunder not investing in armored trucks long before the war.
———–
—–The “Rhinos” are the same for the troupe in Iraq, as the “Elephants” were for the Russians in the Gulag.
Posted by: Frank S. Calco at August 24, 2005 02:51
—–By the above comment I posted then–8–24-05,
I assumed the fact would be known by those that read Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn’s books on the prison camps in the Soviet Union of WW2–by the prisoners refering to the camps as “Elephants”–
meaning they were locked.… in and safe from outside forces– as our soldeirs in Iraq would be in the “Rhinos”.—-however.….…
—-frankCC—Chio.…
I always adhere to and keep a distance from everyone. Until now, I did not have a true friend, although I was a lonely, although I did not like the other players that they have many friends send them cheap zeny, I must be rely on myself, at least I will not hurt anybody, and perhaps this is kind of happiness.
Looking back at the past, in those days, we played together; we have no much rappelz money, we have no need equipment and no senior friends too us, but I am still playing very happy. Rappelz left everywhere in our laughter. There is only one reason is that I have her around, I would meet, everything becomes unimportant. One thing I feel very sorry, that is when I married her, mo gorgeous fireworks, mo friends of blessing. Now I have heart, I feel wronged her, I am sorry to her.
Later, in January of this year, I have entered into this long hoped for world. Following in their previous game, I have some experience, at first I bought some RF cp to arm my number, so I grew up gradually. Later, I joined the empire of darkness, I recognize some friends. Later matured, I separated from the darkness; to join a trade union has just established a new, expanding trade union began a journey, and I recognized a lot of friends.
I have not had to play Gaia, and occasionally I will play friend number, in order to spent time. One day, one more than 20 levels player asked me if I can as her husband. At that time, I think she is a fraudsters, I think that number had no things. So I asked her if she had QQ and video. She said she had. So we added QQ and started video, after a short of time video chat, I knew that she was not a liar, she just a new player of Gaia. Soon, we closed the video, we returned to the game, and I bought Gaia gold change some things that married need use, and we married.
Virtual net works, virtual role of the game, I did not as him what people. It is only a game; happy is the purpose of the game. I chat with him happy. I have an on line he will not be alone to upgrade and earn GuildWars money, but rather for the first time chat with me, in this way we often sit together.
l love that
These things look like absolute monsters like a mad max vehicle