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The Scorpion Towable Attenuator requires little or no modification to host vehicle or additional mounting hardware beyond the standard pintle hook and ½" thick × 32" wide steel frame plate. This single point attachment makes the installation of the Scorpion TA quick and easy.

The Scorpion's proven modular design crushes in progressive states allowing quick and economical replacement of damaged parts. Rear axle placement improves attenuator stability and prevents the tail from "bottoming out" on driveways or uneven surfaces. The overall length of the Scorpion TA is only 17' 10", the shortest on the market, and is available in shorter (13') lower speed TL-2 (45 mph) model, which is ideal for congested city streets or where posted speeds are 45 mph or less. The integrated electric brake system comes standard on all Scorpion Towable Attenuators and are automatically activated in the event of separation or hitch failure. Optional Arrow or Message Boards can easily be attached to the Scorpion Towable Attenuator.

The Scorpion Towable Attenuator gives full width protection to the back of the host vehicle and protects the "coffin corners" of the truck. The Scorpion TA is NCHRP 350 tested and approved for all mandatory and optional offset and angled impacts.

Specifications

TL-2 TL-3 Standard TL-3 Euro
Length 13' (3.96m) 17' 10" (5.44m)
Width 96" (2.44m)
Height 36" (0.91m)
Weight 1,460lbs (662kg) 1,875lbs (850kg) 1,640lbs (744kg)
Ground Clearance 12" ± 1" (304.8mm ± 25.4mm)

The Scorpion Towable Attenuator (TA) is a mobile crash cushion designed with a tongue and axle/wheel that connects directly to the support vehicle's pintle hook from a lunette ring on the attenuator. The TA can be used on support vehicles with a minimum actual/curb weight of 10,000 lbs with no upper weight limit (infinite weight). The TA has overall dimensions of 17.8ft (5.4m) × 8ft (2.4m) × 4.3ft (1.3m) with ground clearance of 12" ± 1" (305mm ± 25mm). The TA consists of three main components: the attenuators tongue, front Strut, and rear Cartridge. The attenuators tongue is positioned nearest to the support vehicle, the Strut is bolted to the tongue and Cartridge. The Cartridge is the rear most component, furthest away from the support vehicle. The coupler acts as a standard single point connection under normal towing conditions. The attenuators tongue is designed with an integral Telescoping Anti-Rotation System (TARS) that is activated when the TA is impacted. The forward sliding action occurs during an impact, upon completion of the full telescoping action the outboard anti-rotation supports come into contact with support vehicle frame plate which in turn prevents angular rotation about the rear of the host vehicle. The Strut consists of four outboard convex aluminum tubes forming an aluminum structural weldment. The aluminum structural weldments bolt directly to the TARS tongue and the rear Cartridge. The structural assembly encompasses the aluminum crush Module D. The Cartridge consists of four outboard convex aluminum tubes forming an aluminum structural weldment. The aluminum structural weldments bolt directly the Struts steel angles and rear diaphragm. The TA uses a Cartridge Diaphragm with an axle/wheel attachment for towing the TA. The structural assembly encompasses the two-aluminum crush Module C's. Attached to the rear most end of the Cartridge is the single crush Module A.


Telescoping Anti-Rotation System (TARS™)


Telescoping Anti-Rotation System (TARS) - Pre-Impact Condition

Pre-Impact Condition

The Scorpion Towable Attenuator attaches directly to the pintle hook. It does not require additional installation, or truck modification, beyond standard factory installed pintle hook and ½" steel frame plate.
Telescoping Anti-Rotation System (TARS) - Post-Impact Condition

Post-Impact Condition

Upon impact, two heavy anti-rotation arms are driven against the frame plate, preventing angular rotation of the Scorpion Towable Attenuator during an accident.

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* TrafFix Devices' Scorpion Towable Attenuator has been tested and has PASSED a "worse case" side angle re-directive impact test. This goes beyond all governmental testing requirements. Full details available upon request.