 |
Editor's Note: Few sailing editors understand the relationship between innovation and the mainstream as well as Freeman K. Pittman, who served as SAIL’s technical editor for 14 years. Pittman was widely respected throughout the marine industry for his opinions and insights on innovation, and SAIL honors his memory with these annual namesake Innovation Awards.
This year, SAIL's editors scoured boat shows on both sides of the Atlantic for gear that's ahead of the curve.
Titanium Roller AirBlocks®
Pewaukee, Wisconsin—With a 98-percent efficiency rating, the TTR (Titanium Roller AirBlock) is the lowest friction block Harken has produced. This lightweight, high-load bearing block was developed to withstand the rigors of the America’s Cup on yachts including Alinghi, Emirates Team New Zealand, BMW Oracle Racing, and Victory Challenge. It has become the block of choice on Volvo Open 70s and Grand Prix yachts like Puma, movistar, Ericsson, and Numbers. Applications include: mainsheet, mastbase leads, spinnaker and traveler controls.
"The TTR AirBlock® is the lightest, strongest, most efficient block Harken has made in 40 years," comments Mark Wiss, custom sales & engineering, America’s Cup sales & service manager. "Its 98-percent efficiency allows trimmers to grind in a higher gear longer, making trimming faster and more effective. The TTR has proven itself by winning both the Louis Vuitton and America’s Cup.”
Soft loop attachments provide the block’s primary load-bearing strength, allowing the TTR to be attached in a variety of locations and to articulate for a fair lead. Titanium roller bearings handle the bearing load, while snap-fit Torlon® ball bearings carry side loads. Inner and outer races are made of titanium for lightweight strength. The TTR AirBlock® easily comes apart with an Allen wrench for maintenance.
TTR AirBlock® Brochure
C8491
5.0 TTR AirBlock®
Sheave dia: 3 in (75 mm)
Length: 3.82 in (97 mm)
Weight: .549 lb (.220 kg)
Max line dia: 1/2 in (12 mm)
SWL: 11025 lb (5000 kg)
Breaking strength: 22050 lb (10000 kg)
C8575
6.5 TTR AirBlock®
Sheave dia: 4 in (100 mm)
Length: 4.92 in (125 mm)
Weight: 1.092 lb (.454 kg)
Max line dia: 5/8 in (16 mm)
SWL: 14333 lb (6500 kg)
Breaking strength: 28666 lb (13000 kg)
C8580
5.0-Wide TTR AirBlock®
Sheave dia: 3 in (75 mm)
Length: 3.82 in (97 mm)
Weight: .642 lb (.264 kg)
Max line dia: 2 x 1/2 in (2 x 12 mm)
SWL: 11025 lb (5000 kg)
Breaking strength: 22050 lb (10000 kg)
C8462
8.0 TTR AirBlock®
Sheave dia: 5 in (125 mm)
Length: 6.06 in (154 mm)
Weight: 1.841 lb (.835 kg)
SWL: 17641 lb (8000 kg)
Breaking strength: 35281 lb (16000 kg)
