Kenworth Truck Company says it will offer the Bendix Wingman Advanced- a collision mitigation technology - as an option for select Kenworth Class 8 models.
Bendix Wingman Advanced delivers adaptive cruise control with braking features along with collision mitigation technology.
The system builds upon the company's full-stability technology - Bendix ESP, which provides fleets with a system that can help drivers in collisions, potential rollovers and loss-of-control situations.
"Kenworth works with its leading suppliers on a continuing basis to bring beneficial product advances to our customers. Bendix Advanced Wingman is an excellent system that is expected to be of great interest to Kenworth's on-highway customers," said Erik Johnson, Kenworth on-highway marketing manager. "We plan to offer this system on the Kenworth T660, T680, T700 and T800."
Radar
Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle, Bendix Wingman Advanced delivers both warnings and active interventions to help drivers mitigate rear-end collisions.
The system provides following distance and stationary object alerts, which are always available - whether or not cruise control is engaged.
When drivers utilize the adaptive cruise control with braking feature, the system will also actively intervene to help them maintain a safe following distance behind a forward vehicle by reducing throttle; engaging the engine retarder; or, if necessary, applying the foundation brakes.
The collision mitigation feature of Bendix Wingman Advanced provides additional interventions, whether or not cruise control is active, by alerting the driver and automatically applying the brakes to help decelerate the vehicle when the system senses a rear-end collision may be imminent. About two-thirds of the available braking power of the vehicle can be delivered through collision mitigation.
The driver, of course, still maintains control and can add additional braking or steering inputs to help avoid or minimize the collision situation.
According to Bendix, active safety technologies such as Bendix Wingman Advanced do not replace the need for alert, safe drivers practicing safe driving habits, as well as continuous, comprehensive driver training.
