History
This vehicle was assigned the ARN 50620 and was stationed at the Army Aviation Centre, Oakey from circa 93 until at least 2004; where it was the Primary medical response vehicle (Med 2) for Crash Rescue and Search and Rescue Operations. It was then relocated to 2 Military Hospital / 2 Health Services Battalion, Brisbane where it remained until it was retired from service circa 2017. There was also a second Ambo at Oakey over this time, ARN 50621 which was known as “Med 3” and was primarily the back-up response team vehicle.
As an Army Medic I had many postings to Oakey between 93-04 where I was allocated to Crash Rescue and drove and operated from Med 2. I’m pictured in the in service photos from 1993, and the rear module still retains many of the bin / storage labels that were unique to Oakey. The number “9” visible in the internal photo from 93 is still insitu as seen in recent photos.
Did you know the 6x6 was Australian designed and built by Jaguar Rover Australia, including a locally developed chassis that is 200mm wider than an 110 and extended and included an ingenious dual rear dual axle setup being developed).
There were approximately 300 6x6 built, with about 30 Ambulance variants, across the initial project “Perentie” in the late 80’s and later additional supply under project “Bushranger” in the mid 90’s.
The single cab 6x6 are ADR 3 person; and the Ambulance module extends seated positions to 12, with seating in the module for 2 inward facing seats for 4 (8) plus 1 medical attendant so there are 9 passengers in total. Alternatively, the module can be configured so each inward facing row of 4 seats is replaced by 2 litter (stretcher casualties) on the one side. Fully fitted for litters enables 4 laying casualties and 1 medical attendant (5 passengers in total).
Modifications
Nil. Maintaining military spec.
