Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has launched the next generation in collision mitigation technology, Wingman Advanced.


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 - providing fleets with a system that can help drivers in collisions, rollovers, and loss-of-control situations.

Using a radar sensor mounted to the front of the vehicle, the system delivers both warnings and active interventions to help drivers potentially avoid rear-end collisions or, at least, help reduce their severity. The system provides following distance and stationary object alerts which are always available - whether or not cruise control is engaged. When drivers use the adaptive cruise control with braking feature, the system will 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.

Bendix says about two-thirds of the available braking power of the vehicle can be delivered through collision mitigation - compared to about one-third through adaptive cruise control with braking. The driver, of course, still maintains control and can add additional braking or steering inputs to help avoid or minimize the collision situation.

"Bendix Wingman Advanced represents another step forward in commercial vehicle safety," said Fred Andersky, Bendix director of marketing - Controls. "Bendix continues to build on its commitment to deliver cost-effective, active safety solutions that can positively impact ROI for fleets. Utilizing Bendix Wingman Advanced may help fleets and their drivers in the new CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)-driven environment to maintain a strong safety performance and better scores, which, in turn, may help drive revenue, lower costs, and increase profitability."

Bendix currently is working with International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, Mack and Prevost coaches to determine timing on the release of Bendix Wingman Advanced through the respective OEMs. Bendix will continue to also offer Bendix Wingman ACB - Active Cruise with Braking, though the OEMs will make the decision as to whether to offer one or both of these Bendix technologies. As Bendix Wingman Advanced becomes available at partner OEMs, Bendix will make an announcement.

Stationary Object Avoidance Alerts

In addition to the collision avoidance capability of Wingman Advanced, the new system can provide audible and visual alerts when the vehicle is approaching a stationary metallic object, such as a car or a steel drum, blocking the lane of travel. The alert gives the driver up to three seconds before a potential impact, helping them respond to the impending threat. The warning, like all the alerts available with the system, does not turn off and is always available, but will not decelerate the vehicle upon approaching a metallic stationary object.

The feature provides notifications in a wide range of conditions - whether rain, snow, smoke, fog, or at night. Currently, only Bendix offers stationary object alerts as part of its adaptive cruise with braking and collision mitigation technologies.

"Fleets and their drivers tell us this alert is especially helpful," says Fred Andersky, Bendix director of marketing - Controls. "We've all heard about situations involving trucks and stalled vehicles on the road and the resulting consequences. Stationary object alerts may give the driver a head's up, enabling him or her to slow, change lanes, steer to avoid - or at least lessen the severity of - a potential collision."