FORCE TRAVELLER AMBULANCE: THE UNSUNG HERO OF INDIAN AUTO INDUSTRY

Different Types of Ambulances

Ambulances are categorised by different types as per the government.  Type B is the Patient Transport Ambulance which is meant for transport of patients who are not expected to become emergency patients. Then you have Type C which is the Basic Life Support Ambulance meant for the transport and treatment of patients requiring basic monitoring and non-invasive airway management. The top of the line ambulance comes under Type D which is the Advanced Life Support Ambulance. This ambulance is meant for transport and treatment of emergency patients requiring intensive monitoring and invasive airway management. Here there is also another variant that goes by the name of Twin Stretcher T2 Ambulance. This has got a wider body and is meant for transport of two patients who are not expected to become emergency patients. The main difference in terms of dimensions between the T1 and T2 ambulances are the width which is 1900mm and 2225mm respectively and overall height which is 2550mm and 2670mm respectively. The wheelbase at 3350mm, length at 5615mm, and ground clearance at 200mm remain the same.

So why is this Force Motors Traveller Ambulance, the most preferred ambulance in the country today? Unlike many automobile companies in the country who outsource the making of ambulances, this company provides fully factory built ambulances. Force Motors also offers ambulance shell which can be customised to suit applications like hearse van, mobile clinic/ dispensary etc.

Features & Specifications

The Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) interiors impart high strength to the ambulance while it also has antibacterial, disinfectant properties and aircraft-like interiors as against commonly used (FRP) Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic. It has a floor height of 690 mm in T1 and 670 mm in T2 for loading foldable stretcher cum trolley which in turn is AIS – 125 Certified.  With a full length footstep, this ambulance has a 270 degree door opening with self locking, high intensity flasher & wailing horn and rear flashing lamps & spotlight. The Traveller ambulance is made entirely of pressed steel panels using robotic welding. With a monocoque design, the vehicle is ensured of an outstanding structural strength. The Traveller ambulance is powered by a Mercedes derived engine. It is a BS VI engine with a displacement of 2596cc which has 4 cylinders and a common rail direct injection. The engine produces a maximum output of 115hp@ 2950 rpm and a peak torque of 350Nm@1400-2200 rpm. The engine is mated to a G32-5, synchromesh transmission with 5 forward gears & 1 reverse.

In front it has dead rigid, I-beam & reverse elliot type axle while at the rear it has a live rigid axle. The front suspension comprises semi elliptical leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorber and anti roll bar, while at the rear it has semi elliptical leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorbers. For driving ease, the vehicle comes with power steering. It has disc barks in front and drum at the rear and also has a mechanical parking brake. Safety features include Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum assisted ABS with EBD. 

The Force Motors Traveller ambulance is there to stay and as India improves its health infrastructure in the coming years, we can expect the Traveller ambulance to continue playing an even greater role in our world. Does it deserve to get a vehicle of the year award or should it get a life time achievement award? I personally think it deserves a lot more, not just a decorative badge of honour. This Force Motors Traveller Ambulance will be a major player in our national health infrastructure for all years to come.