Latest Bendix Wingman Fusion System To Be Available On International LT, RH, MV, HV, & HX Series Trucks
Navistar brand International recently announced that the newest iteration of Bendix Wingman Fusion will come standard on LT Series and RH Series trucks and will be available as an option for MV Series, HV Series, and HX Series trucks. Features of the enhanced system include collision mitigation, stationary vehicle braking, multi-lane automatic emergency braking, highway departure braking, and improved adaptive cruise control. It also features the same technologies of past versions, including lane departure warning, object alerts, overspeed alerts and intervention, and prioritized alerts.
“Our DriverFirst philosophy drives us to continually improve product features that matter most to our customers, and safety is always a significant concern,” says Charles Chilton, vice president of Navistar’s product strategy and planning function. “With our shared commitment to the driver, vehicle, and highway safety, we’re proud to advance the safety features available on our products in collaboration with Bendix. By putting drivers in trucks equipped with safety aids, we are all contributing to a safer transportation network, from which everyone will benefit.”
Bendix BlindSpotter Side Object Detection
Another option for LT and RH Series models is the Bendix BlindSpotter Side Object Detection System, which International says is better integrated with the vehicle’s controller-area network. The system now has a coverage range of 150 degrees, meaning it can detect objects both 20 feet (6 meters) in front of and behind the radar sensor. It can also detect objects as far as 10 ft (3 m) from the right side of the truck. The system has highway speed and lower speed modes, which allows it to filter out guardrails and other stationary objects at speeds above 20 miles (32 kilometers) per hour and remove that filter when traveling below that speed.
Other Optional Safety Features
For additional safety, International offers Bendix Wingman Fusion with ACB (Active Cruise with Braking) Stop and Driver Go. This system allows the operator to keep adaptive cruise control engaged even if the vehicle comes to a complete stop. As long as there are no obstructions ahead, the system can also bring the vehicle back up to speed automatically once the driver gets the truck over 7 mph (11 km/h).
Lane keep assist is also an option for International LT and RH Series trucks. If the system detects the driver is veering out a lane without signaling, it can take the speed of the vehicle into account and help the driver correct the issue with “assisted steering torque,” the company explains. It has the dual benefit of being able to help the truck maneuver through tighter spaces as well.
International points out that this system complements the Sheppard steering gear already featured on a number of Navistar vehicles that helps the driver compensate for cross winds, minimize steering wheel oscillations, and help return to wheel to center after turns. R.H. Sheppard Co. Inc., which developed the steering gear, is subsidiary of Bendix as of June 2020.
Source: Navistar