Peterbilt Motors Company announced production availability of Bendix Wingman ACB (Active Cruise with Braking) as an option for its heavy-duty truck models.
Wingman ACB is designed to deliver driver-friendly, forward collision warning and mitigation using full vehicle and braking system integration. The technology delivers warnings and proactive interventions to help drivers avoid collisions. In July, it became available for immediate order on a range of Peterbilt models, including the flagship Model 587, with delivery beginning in fourth quarter 2010.
Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle, the system assists the driver to maintain a set following distance between the truck and forward vehicle. With cruise control on and speed set, Wingman ACB will warn and provide active interventions — reducing throttle, engaging the engine retarder and, if necessary, automatically applying the foundation brakes to help the driver maintain following distance. When cruise control is not engaged, the driver still receives following distance alerts to let him/her know if he/she is getting too close to the forward vehicle.
Wingman ACB includes “always on” driver warnings and Stationary Object Alerts, and is also upgradable for future advancements. The Stationary Object Alert system provides always-on audible and visual alerts to the driver when the vehicle is approaching a stationary metallic object. The alert is given to the driver up to 3.0 seconds before a potential impact, enabling an appropriate response. The warning, like all alerts available with the system, is always on.
Wingman ACB also provides fleet with data, including following-distance measures and stability interventions that fleets can use in driver training and fleet operations.