TROY, Mich. — Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems has entered into an agreement with International Truck and Engine to supply its new hydraulic power brake system as standard equipment on select models of the truck maker’s medium-duty line.

The new Meritor WABCO Hydraulic Power Brake (HPB), which is the next generation of the company’s hydraulic actuation and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), provides full-power braking performance functions and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), which automatically adjusts the drive axle brake pressure to achieve more balanced braking for the vehicle. Optional Automatic Traction Control (ATC) is also available with the package.

HPB is available immediately on International’s RXT, 3200, 4200 4×4 and 4000 Series 4×2 models (excluding models with the mid-cab tractor).

“Our new HPB system offers significant advancements and many industry-first features that will positively impact motor carriers’ safety and performance,” said Jon Morrison, general manager of Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems. “The system also provides an excellent platform to launch additional active safety systems such as Electronic Stability Control. We’re honored that HPB holds standard position on International’s portfolio of business-class trucks”

The HPB system has two main components – a hydraulic compact unit (HCU) and a dual-circuit master cylinder. The HCU consists of two independent electric motors driving two pump systems, two accumulators, a dual-circuit fluid reservoir with integrated filters, pressure-relief valves, solenoid valves and a dual-circuit relay valve.

When the brake pedal is applied, the master cylinder provides a signal pressure proportional to the pedal force, which allows pressurized fluid to flow from the accumulators to the appropriate brakes. When the pedal is released, brake fluid returns from the brake calipers to the reservoir, and the line pressure returns to zero. This feature is distinct to the HPB system and results in faster reaction time for enhanced stopping performance, noted the manufacturer.