I did a Rough Terrain emergency service vehicle for my final year project back at Uni in '96 . . Its role was to underpin air ambulances etc - able to intervene when the weather is too treacherous to fly, but a fast response is needed. The research findings at the time pointed towards a more general purpose Unimog sized platform - but I always had a soft spot for the smaller, more agile Forward Control LandRovers in a "fast scalpel" role . . . . so it was always on the cards I'd revisit this brief from this different perspective at some point...
Initial Doodle over basic CAD underlay - just to get the ball rolling
3D CAD Sketchmodel based on initial 2D doodle - not a bad startpoint, but I think we need to get a bit edgier / get into a little more detail.
Quick photoshop paint-over to start playing around with new ideas and details - I'll typically flip between 2D doodles and mark-ups like this, whilst supporting sketchmodel updates to the live 3D geometry - to drive the design forward. Gives a quick means of exploration whilst still maintaining the basic proportions and volumes of the "agreed" CAD direction.
Slightly more segmented bodyside - more in keeping with the character of the original "Unimog" based concept which this is descended from. I'm imagining the lower pods between the wheels as being for outdoor / rescue equipment stowage. At this stage I'm starting to wonder if the upper bodyside doors should be gullwing to allow for quick loading of stretchers . . to be continued..
Update to package concept - been thinking about suspension and medical bay layout / size. Wanting to go full independent wishbone for best O/R performance. Inboard discs may eventually make more sense - trying to keep them up out the dirt.. It's a really tight little package compared to the Unimog. I'm wondering if going Electric would add benefits in terms of space and layout - but I've got range anxiety!
