A Thrust Air 2000 (commonly known as a thrust air coaster) is a unique form of launched roller coaster created by S&S Worldwide, Inc., that uses refrigerated, compressed air to shoot a rubber-wheeled car down a steel track. Do-Dodonpa, located at Fuji-Q Highland, was the only production model in existence until it permanently closed in March 2024. It was built by S&S Worldwide of Logan, Utah. It was once the fastest roller coaster in the world and still holds the record of the world's fastest acceleration on a roller coaster. Another model, the Hypersonic XLC, was opened at Kings Dominion in 2001, but it was later closed and put up for sale in 2007. Both models were fabricated by Intermountain Lift, Inc.[1]
Prototype
editThe prototype Thrust Air 2000 was made in 1999 at the S&S Power plant in Utah. That prototype was bought by Paramount directly from the plant and then built at Kings Dominion.
Stats
edit- Height: 165 ft (50 m).
- Climb: 90 degrees
- Drop: 90 degrees
- Acceleration: 0-80 mph (0-128.7 km/h) in 1.8 sec
- Top Speed: about 80 mph (130 km/h)
- Launch System: Ingersoll-Rand screw type compressor
- Track layout: Out-and-back roller coaster
- Track type: I-beam
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Amusement". Intermountain Lift, Inc. July 30, 2011. Archived from the original on November 8, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2014.