BRAKING WITHOUT TRADITION

This article discusses the prospects for electronic control systems for brakes (EBS) and new developments in brake discs, which could revolutionise truck braking in Europe, as long as customers and legislators have no objections. S-cam drum brakes could soon become obsolete in Europe, if disc brakes rapidly become standard equipment on trucks and trailers over 12t gross. Truck brake systems with full electronic control, instead of pneumatic control, could become normal by the year 2000, although still powered by compressed air. However, manufacturers need to convince sceptical fleet operators of the planned changes. The S-cam brake is defended as simple and reliable, but its opponents point out its many problems. Lucas is trying to convince truck manufacturers of the benefits of using its air and hydraulic discs. A trial fleet of three trucks with Lucas EBS is due to start in late 1995. Lucas's EBS development aims to: (1) reduce the initial cost of braking systems; (2) improve vehicle safety by improving vehicle performance; and (3) lower the cost of vehicle ownership by reducing brake maintenance costs. Other companies working on EBS are more cautious. European brake performance standards and directives are making good progress.