Hydraulic Roller Coaster Lauch

Hydraulic Roller Coaster Launch Systems
Hydraulic launches have revolutionized roller coaster design since their introduction in the 1970s. Popularized by companies like Intamin, these systems are now used in some of the most powerful and fastest roller coasters worldwide.

How Hydraulic Launch Works
Example: Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi

Top speed: 150 mph in under 5 seconds

Acceleration: 1.7 G's

System components:

10 large tanks filled with compressed nitrogen gas and hydraulic fluid

Pressure: 290 bar (29 MPa)

48 hydraulic motors power a drum and winch system

A catch car pulls the train via steel cables for high-speed propulsion

Comparison example: Kingda Ka (Six Flags, NJ)

Uses 7 pumps, 4 tanks, and 32 motors

Comparison of Launch Systems
1. Linear Induction Magnet (LIM) Launch
Technology: Uses electromagnets; no catch car needed

Examples:

Batman and Robin: The Chiller (Six Flags)

Tomorrowland Transit Authority (Disney World, FL – low-speed application)

Advantages:

Simple and clean propulsion system

Disadvantages:

Lower acceleration and top speed than hydraulic

Less smooth compared to hydraulic systems

2. Catapult Launch
Technology: Diesel engine or counterweight system

Example:

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios, Disney World)

Advantages:

Mechanical simplicity

Disadvantages:

Not suitable for high-speed or high-acceleration coasters

Primarily used for small-scale coasters

3. Pneumatic Launch
Technology: Uses compressed air to propel the train

Example:

Dodonpa (Fuji-Q Highland, Japan)

0–107 mph in 1.8 seconds (2.7 G's)

Hypersonic XLC (King’s Dominion, USA – closed in 2007)

0–80 mph in 1.8 seconds

Advantages:

Extremely high acceleration

Disadvantages:

Very loud operation

Higher mechanical stress and maintenance

Use case: Often found in vertical launch towers and extreme thrill rides

Why Choose Hydraulic Launch?
High performance (speed + acceleration)

Smooth ride experience

Less noise than pneumatic systems

Proven reliability in top thrill coasters like Formula Rossa and Kingda Ka