The Kenworth T800 now is available for factory order equipped with the optional Bendix Wingman ACB – Active Cruise with Braking. The system also is offered on the Kenworth T660 and T700. “Kenworth continuously seeks ways to further enhance its products,” says Erik Johnson, Kenworth on-highway marketing manager. “The Bendix Wingman ACB system is a good addition for customers ordering new Kenworth T800s for on-highway service.”
Using a radar sensor mounted to the vehicle’s front, Wingman ACB helps provide impact, following distance and stationary object alerts whether or not cruise control is engaged. When the driver utilizes the adaptive cruise control with braking feature, the system also will intervene actively to help the driver maintain a set following distance behind a forward vehicle by reducing throttle, engaging the engine retarder or, if necessary, applying the foundation brakes. The driver still maintains control and can add additional braking or steering inputs to help avoid or minimize the collision situation.
The Bendix Wingman ACB system offers audible and visual stationary object alerts to the driver as the vehicle approaches a stationary metallic object, such as a car, steel drum or other metallic obstruction blocking the lane. The system does not decelerate the vehicle upon approaching the object. The alerts feature provides notifications in a wide range of conditions, including rain, snow, smoke, fog or at night. The always-available alert gives the driver up to three seconds before a potential impact, helping the driver to respond to the impending threat.
The Wingman ACB alerts are communicated to the driver through the vehicle dash. Active interventions, including braking, are activated when cruise control is on and speed is set. Data from the system also can help fleets focus specific driver training needs where appropriate.
Built on Bendix ESP, a full-stability technology, the Bendix Wingman ACB system provides fleets with help in avoiding potential collisions and assistance in stabilizing the vehicle during loss of control situations on dry, wet, snow and ice-covered roadways and in avoiding a potential rollover.
