Rhino Runner

Rhino Runner is a type of armoured bus used extensively in Iraq, especially on the infamous Route Irish between Baghdad International Airport and The Green Zone. It is a customized vehicle created by Labock Technologies, with configurations for various purposes. Duties include normal transport of civilian contractors and military personnel, and usage by VIPs, including transport of prisoners involved in the Iraqi Special Tribunal.

Known specifications

Website specifics [ [http://www.labock.com/english/vehicles.htm Labock Technologies Specialized Armor Vehicles] accessed May 4th, 2006]

*Custom built from chassis up.
*Side and back doors, emergency exit hatch on roof.
*Dual A/C system.
*360-degree protection including floor with multiple discrete gun ports.
*6 cylinder turbo diesel 5.88 liters 240HP.
*NIJ Level IV materials (composite armor and bullet resistant glass) tested against .30 caliber AP (U.S. APM2) 166 grain 2850 feet per second.

Specifics written by gizmag [ [http://www.gizmag.co.uk/go/4178/ The toughest bus on the planet] gizmag June 18, 2005 accessed May 4th, 2006]

* Instead of adapting armouring for an existing vehicle, Labock uses the most appropriate chassis and motors, and custom builds vehicles with protection against AP (armour piercing) bullets and significant bomb blast protection.

* The Rhino Runner is fully protected (sides, front, back, roof, floor, and even glass) against up to Type IV (NIJ standard) including NATO calibres.

* Special composite bulletproof armour, which is so light that it floats in water, and one-way bulletproof glass that prevents bullets from getting to you, but enables you to shoot through the glass at those shooting at you.

* Available in a range of seating capacities (17, 24 and 36) and configurations for purposes such as prisoner transport, ambulance, SWAT, command and control, and they can be made to order.

* Apart from the 360-degree ballistic protection, the vehicles have a side and back door and an emergency exit on the roof and run flat tires for when changing a tire is not a viable option.

Because this is an armoured vehicle, certain specifications are not readily available due to trade secrets.

Usage

The Rhino Runner is mostly used for transportation of civilians and the press between the Baghdad International Airport and the Green Zone. It is also used to transport soldiers from one base to another.

VIPs have been known to use the Rhinos, including U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and General Richard Myers.

An unpublicised usage of the buses is to transport VIP prisoners, such as the now-deceased Saddam Hussein, between their confinements and the tribunal.

Gallery

References

External links

* [http://www.labock.com/index.htm Labock Technologies]