: Cattle Cars To Retire- For years, the Army has used "cattle cars" to transport troops around training areas on several bases. These are basically huge unheated (and un-air-conditioned) trailers (dragged by semi tractors) which carry 70-100 troops in something less than comfort and safety. The last generation of these, bought in the late 70s to replace similar trainers used since the 60s, are now to be retired. Their replacement is a new "superbus" trailer (also dragged by a semi-tractor) which has new features:

@ It is heated and air-conditioned.

@ There are seats for 80 troops. (In the oldest cattle cars, there were no seats at all.)

@ There is an intercom for the instructors riding in the back to communicate with the driver.

@ The superbus is stronger and can survive being rolled over. There are escape hatches so that troops trapped inside by a crash could easily escape.--Stephen V Cole