WABCO introduced its new generation Air Disc Brake for heavy class trucks and buses at this week’s IAA Commercial Vehicles 2006 in Hannover, Germany. The new WABCO Air Disc Brake technology for heavy class vehicles improves

operating costs through its low weight, minimal service requirements, and longer service life. WABCO now offers an easy-to-service exchangeable wear sensor to continuously monitor the pad wear.
"The high-performance air disc brake NG22 plus for heavy trucks and buses builds on our established PAN-range brake. It also follows our most recent innovation in braking – the new generation air disc brake for trucks and buses up to 18 tons and trailers, which we premiered at IAA 2004," said Nikhil Varty, WABCO vice president of Compression and Braking. “The enhanced version launched to the public this week is applicable to an even wider range of vehicles than the 2004 model.”
Fleet owners and owner-operators will benefit from the improved payload potential, increased vehicle service life, and reduced operating costs, offered by the new generation WABCO air disc brake. It is currently the lightest brake in the heavy truck segment – at only 82 pounds. Weighing approximately 15 pounds less than a comparable brake for truck and bus applications, it can create an increased payload capacity and more cost efficiency. On a 4x2 tractor, application of the new NG22 plus results in a 60-pound weight reduction.
WABCO’s lightweight brake for heavy class trucks and buses needs no rim side brake carrier, which results in a distinct weight reduction as well as improved pressure distribution of the rim-side pad. The improved pad pressure distribution increases the heat crack resistance of the rotor significantly and minimizes the radial and tangential taper wear. This ensures optimal utilization of pad material. A Continuous Wear Sensor (CWS) monitors the wear status of pads.