PLUS1 SOFTWARE

Hydraulic roller coaster launches, along with other launches such as pneumatic, linear induction magnet, and catapult launched, were first introduced in roller coaster designs in the 1970s and have since become increasingly popular. The company Intamin invented the hydraulic launch, which is used in the most powerful launching roller coasters in the world, competing with pneumatic launches.

As seen on the roller coaster Formula Rossa at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, UAE, this hydraulic motor allows the train to reach 150 mph in under five seconds, producing an acceleration of 1.7 G’s. The system begins with large tanks filled with compressed nitrogen gas and hydraulic fluid. Formula Rossa has ten of these tanks. The horizontal tanks pressurize the nitrogen gas to 290 bar (29 MPa). A device beneath the tank opens several valves once the nitrogen gas reaches the desired pressure. The fluid is propelled to 48 motors that power a large drum and winch beneath the track. This winch pulls on the catch car by steel cables directly underneath the train, propelling it down the track at incredible speeds. In comparison, Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure uses seven pumps, four tanks/accumulators, and 32 motors.

Reasons for Selecting a Hydraulic Launch Compared to Other Systems:

Linear Induction Magnets (LIM):
LIM launches use electromagnets along the launch track to propel the train without a catch car. Examples include Batman and Robin: The Chiller at Six Flags Great Adventure and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority at Walt Disney World (at much lower speeds and accelerations). The main difference is that LIM launches cannot reach the speeds and accelerations of Kingda Ka or Formula Rossa but are simpler and used for smaller coasters. Hydraulic launches are smoother than LIM launches.

Catapult Launch:
These are typically powered by diesel engines or large counterweights dropped to propel the coaster. They cannot attain the high speeds of the most powerful coasters, so are used for smaller rides. The Rockin' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios in Disney World uses this launch type.

Pneumatic Launch:
Pneumatic launches are the closest competitor to hydraulic launches, used in rides designed by S&S Power. They can produce accelerations as fast or faster than hydraulic launches and reach high maximum speeds. Hydraulic launches are often chosen over pneumatic for lower noise levels. Pneumatic launches are often found on vertical rides, which are already noisy. A notable pneumatic launch is Dodonpa at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan, accelerating riders from 0 to 107 mph in 1.8 seconds (2.7 G’s). In the USA, Hypersonic XLC at King’s Dominion accelerated riders from 0 to 80 mph in 1.8 seconds before closing in 2007.