Alcon presents new Brake-By-Wire system at Eurosatory 2024 to improve vehicle safety.

Alcon, a UK-based brake and clutch company specializing in defense brake systems, will introduce its latest generation full-service Brake-By-Wire (BBW) technology at Eurosatory 2024. Alcon’s technology, derived from its motorsport products, is applicable to multiple defense vehicle applications. At Eurosatory, Alcon will discuss this and its full range of bespoke and off-the-shelf defense and security-oriented braking solutions in Hall 5A, Stand HJ280.
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Alcon's Brake-By-Wire (BBW) technology, derived from its motorsport products, is applicable to multiple defense vehicle applications. (Picture source: Alcon)

The defense vehicle technology landscape is evolving, driven by the need to enhance warfighter protection and save lives. This shift is increasing the demand for vehicles capable of partial or full autonomy. A crucial component for OEM manufacturers designing autonomous vehicles is a high-quality, safe, reliable, and effective braking system that can operate with or without a driver. Alcon’s BBW system meets these requirements with fit-for-purpose redundancy and system safety for each application. It offers various benefits across a range of defense and security vehicles, for both autonomous and crewed systems.

Alcon has a history of developing innovative solutions for the motorsport sector. The company began developing its first successful BBW product for Formula E in 2016, earning a nomination for the Most Innovative New Motorsport Product of the Year by the World Motorsport Symposium. Since then, Alcon has continued to advance its lightweight motorsport and autonomous BBW solutions through high-profile programs, resulting in an enhanced product. Alcon has combined years of development, race-track learning, and engineering to produce improved variants. These systems enable Alcon to offer a scalable BBW solution to meet the diverse demands of defense vehicles, such as large vehicle loads or multi-axle configurations (4×4, 8×8, and tracked). Additionally, Alcon’s BBW solutions provide faster braking response, reduced maintenance, improved flexibility and adaptability, and enhanced diagnostics.

Alcon supplies braking components to the defense industry for vehicles including British Army Land Rover Defenders, Supacat Jackal and Coyote armored vehicles, and the Patria AMV XP 8x8. (Picture source: Patria)

As defense vehicle OEMs move towards diesel-electric drives, with or without battery support, EV silent running or stealth modes, and autonomy, the integration of vehicle control systems into the broader vehicle architecture becomes important, reducing mechanical and hydraulic complexity. Alcon’s BBW approach is a development in this area. Leveraging defense engineering experience, the system is designed to be robust, modular, and scalable. Alcon’s BBW solutions offer advanced capabilities, including independent control of each wheel station for redundancy and braked steering, mechanical separation of the brake pedal from the system, simplified installation, autonomous or remote control of the brake function, and seamless integration with conventional hydraulic braking systems. BBW technology is versatile, suitable as a conventional foundation braking system or for blending regenerative and friction braking efficiently. This delivers significant efficiency and performance advantages to any vehicle OEM.

Ollie Jackson, Chief Engineer of Controlled Brakes at Alcon, addresses the complexities OEMs face in delivering autonomous vehicle capability. With nearly a decade of experience in BBW solutions for high-performance motorsport and defense engineering expertise, Alcon’s latest BBW solutions address many of these braking challenges. BBW technology assists Alcon in providing a full-service braking solution that integrates the latest friction braking technology, aligning the defense and security vehicle market with emerging automotive brake engineering technologies. BBW is a versatile technology, applicable in various contexts to maximize vehicle efficiency and enhance the safety of operators in harsh environments.

Alcon also supplies braking components for motorsport teams, including BMW, McLaren, Bentley, Aston Martin, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet. (Picture source: Alcon)