LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bendix introduced Wingman ACB at the Mid-America Trucking Show, an active cruise system with braking capabilities.

The radar-based system detects moving objects in a truck’s path and sounds a variety of audible alerts if a pre-determined following distance is compromised. If the driver fails to react on time, the system will intervene and de-throttle the engine, apply the engine brake and if necessary it will also apply the service brakes, Bendix officials explained. If cruise is not activated, the driver will still receive the audible alerts, but the brakes will not be applied. The default following distance is 2.8 seconds, but it can be increased by the fleet.

The system has been designed to complement Bendix’s full-stability system, explained Fred Andersky, marketing director for the Bendix controls product business. That way, an automatic application of the brakes will not send the vehicle out of control.

“As active safety systems that automatically apply brakes increase, they will be built on a foundation of full stability,” said Andersky. ”Why?  Because roll-only systems don’t possess all the sensors and braking capability needed to interpret conditions and respond appropriately – and may increase instability of the vehicle during automatic braking events on slick surfaces.  Therefore, full-stability is a critical part of systems that include an active braking component.”

Andersky also pointed out the system can be fully-integrated into a truck’s in-dash display. He noted that’s the place driver’s instinctively look to when they hear an audible alert.

The Wingman ACB system has proven popular already. Later at the show both Volvo and Mack announced availability of their versions of the system. Trucks can immediately be ordered with Wingman ACB from OEMs that offer it, Bendix officials noted.

OEM availability and product ordering codes will be published at www.bendix.com.