First look at new Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Ford F550 ambulance ?

[6 Feb 2014: Please see postscript with comments from an SAF medic.]

The armed forces of a country in Southeast Asia - not Indonesia or Malaysia - is said to have picked the American-built Ford F550 chassis for modification as military ambulances.

A F550 pickup, made by Ford Motor Company, was seen being unloaded from a low loader in Singapore. It is one of several dozen that have arrived here. The rest are stabled in the Benoi area.

Senang Diri understands a cabin will be bolted to the chassis at the rear of the driver's compartment, which has been modified for right-hand drive. This cabin will have sufficient height for medical officers and combat medics to perform their work while standing in the cabin. Up to four litter cases can be carried using the F550 ambulance.

The Ford F550 is thought to be the vehicle of choice to replace Mercedes-Benz ambulances that presently serve the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). While a cost-effective lifesaver, the MB ambulances lack a cross-country capability and are less rugged than the Land Rover ambulances which it replaced partially. The latter still serve the SAF though in dwindling numbers.

The SAF is said to have deployed Ford Everest 4x4s as safety vehicles to accompany troops deployed outfield. These vehicles, dubbed Ops Utility Vehicles (OUVs), carry a medic and the medical equipment he/she needs for first line combat casualty care. The downside, which became apparent to SAF MOs and combat medics, was the inability of the Ford Everest to carry stretcher cases.

If the Ford F550s seen in Singapore are indeed destined for SAF service, the 4x4 offroad capability and strengthened chassis of these vehicles should provide the SAF Headquarters Medical Corps with a rugged workhorse to enhance medical cover for our SAF servicemen and servicewomen, in peace and war.

The F550 is no stranger to the SAF. Small numbers serve the SAF's crack Special Operations Task Force as ladder carriers. These allow SOTF troopers to execute rapid assault breaching of places of interest several storeys above ground.

Senang Diri will keep track of the Ford F550 ambulance project. Confirmation is expected when the first vehicles are fitted with the beloved MID number plates, thus kicking off a new series of MID plates for enthusiasts to collect. Our spreadsheets are ready. We will be watching.

Postscript: 6 Feb 2014
Comments from a reader in bold.

"The Ford F550 is thought to be the vehicle of choice to replace Mercedes-Benz ambulances that presently serve the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). While a cost-effective lifesaver, the MB ambulances lack a cross-country capability and are less rugged than the Land Rover ambulances which it replaced partially. The latter still serve the SAF though in dwindling numbers."

To my knowledge the SAF MB Ambulances (2010)  (also called Taurus) were to replace the older Ford Transit Ambulance (2005) deployed for non outfield cases (around camp compounds, patient transport to hospitals, after hours patient transport to 24hr medical centres etc) 
The SAF MB Ambulances allowed 4 stretcher cases and more seated casualties to be loaded. And allowed the SAF medical corps a more professional image at public/national events.  
The Ford Transit was a partial replacement for Land Rover Ambulances, but did not have cross country capability. 
Most of the LR Ambulances have now only been used for Outfield duties.  

"The SAF is said to have deployed Ford Everest 4x4s as safety vehicles to accompany troops deployed outfield. These vehicles, dubbed Ops Utility Vehicles (OUVs), carry a medic and the medical equipment he/she needs for first line combat casualty care. The downside, which became apparent to SAF MOs and combat medics, was the inability of the Ford Everest to carry stretcher cases."

I often complained how it was impossible to get a stretcher into the Ford Everest, but it is possible, it requires folding down the front seat, and back seat to reveal a metallic stretcher holder. But in reality, it would take too much time and effort, and severely limits the carrying capacity to just the medic, driver and 1 casualty on a stretcher. 



Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the bunch of you who assisted with the hunt. Happened to be at the Ford agent at just the right time. :-)

You may also like:
Guide to SAF MID vehicle number plates. Click here