DRIVING AT LIGHT SPEED

PIONEER writer Teo Jing Ting got her hands dirty test-driving the Light Strike Vehicle Mark (LSV Mk) II, one of the fastest vehicles in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

"Are you serious? Of course I'll do it!

That was my first reaction when my editor offered me a chance to test-drive one of the latest and fastest Singapore Armed Forces vehicles - the LSV Mk II.

With a top speed of 110kmh, this lightweight yet powerful vehicle was designed to traverse rough and uneven terrains quickly and easily. And as someone who always had a taste for adrenaline rushes when driving (read: road rage), there was no way I was going to give this a miss.

It was a scorching day at Bedok Camp but that did not reduce my excitement as I listened to the safety briefing by LSV trainer Master Sergeant (MSG) Tay Tiong Yaow. He was to be my vehicle commander, guiding me along and making sure that I drove safely.

With one hand on the roll cage, I hoisted myself onto the driver's seat. It felt like I was getting onto a mini-truck. Besides being told to strap myself in tightly, I had to wear a helmet and goggles for protection.

With a push of the ignition button, the engine roared to life and with just a slight depression of the acceleration pedal, the LSV Mk II zipped off.

I ve been on thrill rides on the original LSV before, but those were nothing compared to the feeling of this 1,800kg vehicle under my control. Suddenly, I understood why Formula One drivers loved their jobs.

The thunderous engine dulled my hearing and as the LSV Mk II accelerated, I could feel my heart rate speeding up too as the vehicle ate up the grounds of the parade square at a ferocious pace. I was amazed at how stable the vehicle was despite my best efforts to execute faster and tighter turns.

The skies darkened and it began to drizzle. Without a windscreen or a roof, I could feel the full force of the wind and the rain against my face as I sped along happily, protected by my goggles.

I managed at least 20 rounds on the parade square before the rain got too heavy for me to continue. Like a child hankering for more sweets after having one, there was only one thought on my mind as I thanked MSG Tay - "I'll be back."

Now I just need to get my hands on a military driving licence

"I've been on thrill rides on the original LSV before, but those were nothing compared to the feeling of this 1,800kg vehicle under my own control."
- Teo Jing Ting