Roller Coaster Launches: Explained
Vložit
- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- Various roller coasters around the world feature launches, which propel riders at a high speed around the track. If you look closely, each launch system is different, and has been created to serve a different purpose. In this video, we take a look at how some of the most popular launch systems work, as well as their main advantages and disadvantages.
We've updated and improved this video with better explanations of how each launch works: • The History of Launche...
Some of the launch methods discussed in this video are: LIMs, LSMs, Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Friction Wheels, Flywheel and Catapult launches.
Want to contribute videos to be used within future content? Click here: goo.gl/sSg29n
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter ► / coasterbot
Facebook ► / coasterbot
Instagram ► / coasterbot
Reddit ► / coasterbot
CREDITS:
Music: Tobaggan & 7th Floor Tango by Silent Partner
Andrew (Diala305): Research and script development
VIDEOS:
Coaster Studios: / thecoasterguy14
Theme Park Studios: / @coastercola
claudio couto: • the incredible hulk co...
CoasterLab: • Video
James C: • Powder Keg Front Seat ...
Javi Rod: • Video
Ianferno Nemesis: • Video
SoltauCruiser: • Formula Rossa (World's...
I like chainlifts, it increases the tension of the ride, making it more exciting
Fair enough! :)
For launches, I feel that all of the tension from, say a chainlift, is compressed into the few seconds before the launch, when you’re not sure how many more breaths you have left to take.
Charles Garand when you’re on Rita the wait between you must escape and GO GO GO feels like an eternity!
@@charlesgarand agreed. A launch is far more tense.
The boomerang method seems the most intense to me
“Smooth acceleration” Shows kingda ka
I'd like to see a roller coaster with a repurposed _aircraft carrier catapult_ for a launch.
John Whitesell that’s actually very similar to an intamin hydraulic launch
@@Datareel agreed recently rode intamin's blitz coaster in phantasialand and it was amazing
_ Kirky _ It’s pretty much the same technology as what’s used on an aircraft carrier
@@Datareel yeah
_ Kirky _ don’t know why pneumatic launches aren’t used more. they seem ideal
Really going out on a LIM!
So punny!
5MadMovieMakers *slow clap* 😂
*very, slow clap*
Hey ohhh
I forgot to laugh, sorry ig.
I think that Six Flags launch their coasters the best because the ride ops there trick the guests like, “Launching in 10, 9, 8” or Are you ready? *LAUNCH*. And personally, I just think that adds to the magic of the coaster you’re riding.
I was riding full throttle at magic mountain and the ride op was like "when I go oh you go ah. Oh" and he would launch the train. He also did "will you like a countdown? *launch* oh well" and "5...4...*launch* 3,2,1"
Not all states and countries allow this though sadly. (Hate that rule)
Six flags isn’t the only one that does that lol
I was on flash vertical velocity at six flags great America and I launched on 2 not 1 it caught me of guard
My favorite is definitely the hydraulic launch. Specifically storm runner. As its’ announcement saying *”now get ready, here we go.”* is simply thrilling. Though I also like how the launch systems on California Screamin’ are also used as lift hills and tires.
Holy shit when you hear the steam sound and the train cocks back slightly it scares the shit out of me
@@spanz9538 Yeah, I consider that to be a warning. LSM's don't give any sort of warning. At least when I rode Superman Escape at Movie World, I could hear the sound of the motors and then the train inching back; you don't get that type of warning on an LSM coaster.
LSM's are great and all but I just love the intensity of hydraulic launches. #intaminfanboy
I agree! :)
Same Here. I recently rode Xcelerator, and it feels like getting hit by a truck.
@@bonesmalone5802 ik the best ride at knotts so much fun!
Intamin have starting using lsm more recently tho :/
@Bones Malone
Having ridden Storm Runner, I can confirm.
Definitely one of your best videos, there was a lot in it! I found this video super interesting, great job! Awesome video!
Thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed it. :)
Launching is aweseome! Rock'n'rollercoaster DLP. But lifthills are more thrilling imho. Nothing beats the clinky clank sounds of a coaster train being pulled up and the feeling of omg are we this high up?
I agree! A coaster with both a launch and a lift hill would be ideal for you :)
COASTER BOT #takabisha
Coaster with both a launch and a chain lift: Powder Keg (Silver Dollar City) rcdb.com/1903.htm
Ferdinand, what about a coaster that does both at the same time? The absolute goat, Maverick. the chain lift + launch coaster that's perfection.
@@PurityXD FireChaser Express at Dollywood is like that
The LSM Lanuch of Taron in Phantasialand is absolutely fantastic, especially the second launch with its distinct Sound!
one thing I like about launches, it's that it enables parks that have a strict height-limit to still build very thrilling coasters. Like Phantasialand, they built Taron and now F.L.Y. The only other thrill coaster there is Black Mamba, which had to be build into the ground and is really short as well, just because they couldn't get the height in the beginning.
I definitely agree, launches allow parks to be very versatile with their roller coaster design!
Can’t forget Rita (aka the ride everyone trashed on), purely designed due to height restrictions! Its actually really decent!
This is more of a science lesson
Is that or a good or a bad thing, did you still enjoy the video?
COASTER BOT Yeah, it was very interesting and I still liked it. Well done
That's great to hear, thank you! :)
Awesome job, Harry! This is one of my favorites on the channel, very descriptive!
Thank you very much! :)
Your a wizard harry!
I'm a what!?
+COASTER BOT yeah Tom you're a wizard!
COASTER BOT do flight of fear explained
Thank you so much for the video! I've been wondering how launches work for a long time. My favorite type of launches is absolutely the LSM launches. There's just something I love a lot about the "electric" sound coming from the electromagnets!
No problem, glad you learnt something from our video! The electric sound is very cool, I agree. :)
Excellent description of each launch system, especially your description of the differences between LIM and LSM launches!
Thank you very much! :)
From what I've heard all technologies are great. LSM's are great for multi-launch coasters and are very reliable. The cons are that the launch is often less intense. Hydraulic launches are good for use on thrilling launch coasters with a major focus on speed and the launch is often quite forceful and intense. The cons are that the technology is less reliable. Compressed Air launches are often more forceful than any other launch technology. Drive tyres are better for family launch coasters due to the speed and intensity of the launch.
I personally prefer launches over the traditional drop. Does anyone else agree??
itsjustjosh depends on the drop
Yeah doesn’t make me anxious or anything 😂
I dont like heights so i agree.
Morgan Evans sitting on the launch track still makes me feel anxious.
itsjustjosh They certainly provide very intense rides. I’ve only been on one myself (Rita - Alton Towers) but from what I’ve heard they provide big thrills.
My favorite launch was actually a flywheel! Though it bothered many of my friends, I really enjoyed the brutal lauch that it provided. The one I experienced was the Sirocco at Walibi Belgium, and has since been replaced by an LIM, which I find to be a lot less intense.
Interesting to hear! :)
I love the launch of my inner enthusiast self running to an attraction!
LSM Thunderbird at Holiday World is awesome!!!
It really looks it! :)
Whoo! My home state, and my home park!
I prefer hydraulic launches. I love how potentially fast you can go with them and I can get past the unreliability of the systems because of it. They're also a lot more intense and thrilling.
Interesting choice! If hydraulic launches were just as reliable as LSMs I would prefer them also.
Great Video! My favourite type of launch is probably LSM because the acceleration is smoother and you don't get that initial "kick" like on hydraulic ones.
They also allow for multi launch coasters to be constructed, which are among my favourite coasters ever.
Thank you very much! LSM launches can be awesome, but I have currently been let down by the roller coasters I have ridden featuring this launch method. As a result I prefer Hydraulic launches the most so far. :)
Hydraulic launches are my favorite,the acceleration is just awesome!
They really are awesome!
haha do air compressed! Maxx force or Dododompa/Dododonpa (idk never been)
My favorite coaster of all time is a launch coaster. Montezuma's Revenge at Knotts Berry Farm is a coaster I ride at leAst ten times a year. I love it.
Great to hear! :)
Hydraulic and LSM for me, both give fast smooth intense acceleration, just what I love. Rita at Alton towers is 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds via a hydraulic launch and Icon at Blackpool Pleasure beach uses LSM and does 0-53mph in 2.25 seconds. Both feel really fast and thrilling 🙂
Rita's launch is much better than Icon's initial launch! I prefer hydraulic myself :)
Flywheel launches are still used in newer coasters today. The Vekoma Motorbike and Zamperla Moto coasters still use flywheel launches.
I did overlook Zamperla's Moto coasters, as they aren't a well talked about ride model. However Vekoma Motorbike coasters use hydraulic launches to propel riders. Nevertheless, thanks for the correction. :)
I really love Launch coasters because i get much more excitement from it compared to dive coasters or normal coasters 😊😊
I love how many facts you can put in these videos! Keep up the incredible work, Harry!
Thank you very much, there is much more to come! :)
I wish I had the opportunity to ride a compressed air ride! There used to be one at Kings Dominion, Hypersonic XLC. Compressed air rides are the most forceful launches among rollercoasters. Dodonpa at Fuji Q Highlands launches from 0-110 mph in 1.8 seconds, compared to top thrill dragster's 0-120 in around 4 seconds.
Me too! Compressed air launches look fantastic! :)
I just found this channel and it is awesome
Thank you! I am glad you like it :)
Air-powered launches are definitely the best! Dodonpa's acceleration is freaking ridiculous, easily my favorite launch ever! And yes, I've been to Japan, and I'm going to China this summer.
Awesome to hear! :)
I love LSM, but nothing beats going 0-120 in 3.8 seconds with a hydraulic launch on Top Thrill
Really excellent video. It's very evident you did a lot of research to explain the technical details so thoroughly!
Thank you very much! You are correct, a lot of research did go into the video :)
Great video, I've always enjoyed hydraulic launches, but a close second is LSM.
Thank you! I'd probably agree with you :)
I love hydraulic launches. Top Thrill Dragster, Xelerator and storm runner are amung my favorites
Me too! :)
I'm so glad i subscribed to your channel my dude. These videos are so discriptive
Thanks you for subscribing! It's great to hear you are enjoying the content. :)
The intensity of a hydraulic launch kicks butt!
This is the type of education We need at school instead of the feeling Closed in a room WITH 1 person talking.
Since I've only ridden family-friendly roller coasters, I haven't experienced many launches, but I've experienced LSM and LIM launches. I'll try to give my opinion of the launch types based on HMCMA and Revenge of the Mummy, which are in Universal Studios Orlando Resort. In my opinion, LSM launches don't feel very strong, LSM launches are graceful and they feel speedy! LIM launches have a punchier acceleration, IMO. I love the squeaky sound that LSM launches make, but my favorite launch type as of now is LIM.
4:03 powder keg! That’s fun.
A good launch never harms a coaster experience, but I also feel that it’s what comes after the launch that matters most.
I agree! :)
I feel a good way of launching a coaster (which I think currently are not being used in coasters) is that of a spring and pulley system used in that of a slingshot ride, I feel like they’ll start to be used at some point in the future.
Fascinating. Very well presented.
Thank you :)
Pneumatic launches ( go powder keg😀)
Powder Keg
Go OCT Thrust SSC 1000 (just giving China some love)
Maxx Force
Dododonpa
I like the linear compressed cylinder launch the best. It provides a large degree of synchronicity in the initial stages of the ride and most accurately thrombolizes the variable forces that can cause diseases in the riders.
I don't know which to choose between tire propelled launch and LSM launch since the Hulk uses tire launch and Cheetah Hunt uses LSM. I've ridden both of the coasters.
I'd choose LSMs myself! :)
Well Incredicoaster has an LIM and I love that ride. The only other launch I can think of getting on is Xelerator and I HATED it. So I guess LIMs is my preferred launch lmao
Same lol
LIMs work really well, 70 mph in 3 seconds is pretty impressive + not a lot of down time
They work quite well, but aren't extremely efficient. :)
I always wanted to know the difference between LIMs and LSMs. Thanks mate.
No problem! :)
Stealth and Rita at Thorpe Park and Alton Towers are the most intense roller coasters I've ever been on, I think they're both hydraulic launches. Velocity at Flamingo Land is an honourable mention and a bit different as you sit on a motorbike not in a coaster car.
Best video so far, good job! I couldn't make a video this good with my education.
Thank you very much! Hopefully you'll be able to learn more about roller coasters in the coming months. :)
I love how much you used temp, Busch is my home park
That's awesome, I'd love to visit BGW one day :)
I do agree that hydrolic launches can be unreliable but how else are you supposed to make it up a 450 foot tall coaster i think if any other theem park wants to beat a coaster hight record thay will have to use a hydrolic lounch system but most normal coasters dont need to have a hydrolic lounch seystum
We have seen Red Force, a LSM launch coaster, reach heights of over 300ft not using a hydraulic launch. It may be possible to launch riders even higher than Kingda Ka in the future :)
**air launches**
Could someone tell me the difference between LIM and LSM Launches and how I would spot this! Thanks 👍
I learned so much on this channel
That's fantastic to hear! :)
You should do Drop Towers: Explained. That would be a great video. And even though I know most stuff about coasters, I found this VERY interesting
That's a good suggestion, I will add it to the list. :)
I am all about the LSM launched roller coasters!
They're great!
I prefer to go on a coaster with no launch at all. Like one that just doesnt move, it really gives a thrilling sensation!
That doesn't sound like a roller coaster to me ;)
I like the hydraulic launch the most because when it start.... uhhhh it kicks your butt and you just feel the force. I went on Taron (current record holder for fastest LSM acceleration) and i was kinda disappointed by the launch
I've heard Taron's launch, especially the 2nd one, is very intense. Hydraulics launches are often the more intense.
Tarons Launch isn't bad either but it was the first LSM i've ever rode. Before that I've only rode a Rita clone with a hydraulic launch =). thats the reason behind my personal oppinion ^^
That's fair enough. After you've ridden more LSM coasters you'll realise Taron's is quite fast! :)
coasterbot i went also on taron and i must say that the second launch is dissapointing me, the feeling in you're stomach is great at the first launch but the second launch doesn't gave me that feeling, althrough when you realize that you're going fast you're just lost because of the airtime you get, every turn/bend you get that feeling. it's just amazing!
LSM
What are your personal favorite and least favorite roller coasters (Steel and wood)?
My favourite steel coaster is The Smiler at Alton Towers, while my favourite Wooden coaster is Wodan at Europa Park. I do not have any least favourite coasters. :)
You don't have any least favourite because you have never ridden VIper at SFMM or Mean Streak at CP...
+Mika Bains There are steel rollercoasters WAY worse than Viper and wooden rollercoasters WAY worse than Mean Streak.
I heard The Smiler is really popular, costs an arm and a leg to g- no...no I shouldn't make that joke :|
My favourite is the Rockin’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith.
How does the change in magnetic energy in LSMs determine the speed? Meaning: how do designers use the LSM technology to decide how fast a certain coaster will go?
The only rides with launches I have rode are The Incredible Hulk and Fire Chaser Express (both mentioned in the video) and they have friction wheel launches.
Did U ride Lightning Rod?
Your so gay you liked your own comment
You mentioned that catapult launches aren't used anymore. I was wondering about "Revolution" at Blackpool pleasure beach in the UK as I believe this uses this type of system. I've been on it many times an it's certainly up there with my favourites.
Revolution uses an electric winch launch, one with side of the loop. The launch itself is quite good I feel! :)
So far I've ridden coasters with 3 different launch systems (LSM (Helix), Hydralic (Kanonen) & Flywheel(Steeplechase Coney Island)) And Hydralic is my favorite! Flywheel is also really great as that one starts out nice but really kicks in at the end! LSM is my least favorite!
DrDewott Same! I've ridden LIM (both Revenge of the Mummy coasters and Full Throttle) LSM (Superman Ultimate Flight SFDK), hydraulic (Xcelerator), and flywheel (Montezooma's Revenge and Pony Express).
Among those hydraulic launch coasters is the King da ka, located in Six Flags Great Adventure.
Well explained thanks
hydraulic launches, no contest. TTD and storm runner are some of my faves.
I've never ridden a launch coaster, just the chain lift ones. It's kinda appealing to not have to sit and wait for the chain to pull, which gives you plenty of time to regret your decision to get on the ride
Hydraulic. I am going to design my own. Thanks for the inspiration.
Awesome to hear, best of luck designing your own :)
Good vid :D
I liked stormrunners launch the most but LSM launches are generally better
Thank you! :)
I personally like launches better than chainlifts because you don’t have to wait for the drop and have anxiety waiting to get to the top. Launches you don’t have time to think
Good video! I prefer LSM laubches. :)
tbh lsm look the most efficient and reliable it gets you those speed you need reliable and smoothly. i would put hydraulic launches but the factor of how much the break down puts them down.
Th13teen's tires always suprise me at how fast they launch the train out of the element and back into the station. (could you add Th13teen to 'the list' ?)
Very informative Video Coaster Bot ~
Thank you for your kind words. Thirteen's 'launch' surprises me too but it's very enjoyable! :) Thirteen is on the list, which can be seen here: goo.gl/forms/7fayMM2ux5yXXkZo1
COASTER BOT
You might have skipped over it ~ its not on the list (ive been up, down and through the T's) but i left it as a suggestion ^^
Yeah I just added it myself, I'm unsure as to why it wasn't on the list, I thought it was.
COASTER BOT
thats alright ^^ its a very big list ~
Fantastic video, Harry! Definitely the most interesting so far. The physics behind roller coasters is just incredible to imagine and describe. And now I can tell my Dad the best place to explain roller coaster launches! :) You're studying physics at university, right?
Thank you very much, I am glad you enjoyed it! You are correct, I am studying physics at University. :)
COASTER BOT what do you hope to do with it? Like as a career?
I'm not sure exactly. Studying physics offers a wide range of job opportunities.
COASTER BOT Wow I didn't realize. What kind of jobs?
I've only been on a hydraulic launch coaster but pleasure beach is getting an LSM launch coaster
Project 2018 is going to be awesome!
A couple very different questions. What is your opinion on roller coaster tycoon games, would you purchase them, and if you would which one? Also which is of these parks are better, (like all around not like the one with the most coasters) Blackpool, Alton, or Thorpe?
Roller coaster games are awesome! I have played RCT2 very much, especially when I was younger. Unfortunately I don't really have the time to play them nowadays. Moving onto the parks; the competition is definitely between Alton and Blackpool. Alton Towers offers higher quality ride experiences and better theming; while Blackpool has a larger variety of attractions and some wooden coasters, were are somewhat rare in the UK! Personally I prefer Alton Towers, but this is a difficult choice for everyone.
Hydraulic acceleration drops off the more pressure is released, its not actually as smooth, it just stops and starts less sudden. best efficency and best acceleration power both go to electric, the only reason why theyre not stronger is because people dont want them stronger. other systems also use the same underlying tech/principle, for example railguns. you can scale it basically endlessly with enough power, wich is much harder for hydraulic to do.
From experiencing hydraulic, LIM, and LSM launches, my favorite type of launch is a hydraulic launch. Nothing beats going 120mph in under 4 seconds (TTD's launch speed).
I also prefer Hydraulic launches :)
Kingda Ka Has a Better & More Intense Launch, That Is Also From My Experiance Quite Scary Due To The Strong Wind Going In The Eyes. Top Thrill Dragster Felt So Quick On The Launch That I Hardly Notice Rembering Much Of Anything. SO I Personally Prefer Kingda Ka. If You Or Anyone Disagree That's Fine, As We All Enjoy Roller Coasters For Different Reasons. As Someone From The Uk Who Has Done Both I Say kingda Ka For Intensity, Top Thrill Dragster For Feeling Of Flight/Air Time.
and now they probably remove the hydraulic launch from TTD. But if they add LSM, they have to achieve the same speed as before, to make the hill. But maybe the launch section will be longer, so the launch will be smoother (and less intense).
my favourite launch i've done was a winch launch
(the one on hyperspace mountain)
Yeah that launch is pretty cool!
This is an amazing channel, keep up the good work!👍😊
Thank you! You are too kind. :)
Can I just ask how the train is propelled forwards (usually) instead of backwards when it comes to LSM launches? For example with Taron, why does the first LSM launch propel the train forwards and not backwards?
By causing the LSMs to take a certain polarity, they can force the train to be repelled away from the magnets in the desired direction. I imagine it is manipulation of the magnet field created by the magnets that causes the train to go in the direction it does. This is only an educated guess though. :)
I prefer hydraulic launches as they have the most explosive power, but LSMs are smooth as hell.
I like the LSM launch the most, but i will prefer the LIM/hydraulic launched method.
LSM
you deserve like a million subscribers!keep up the good work:)
Thank you very much, there is a lot more to come in the future! :)
great video... but how does the train stay on track after its been launched? especially when it's going up or upside down? or even side bends?.. thanks
me me again
Wheels above and below the track.
To learn about this and more questions you should watch my video called "An Introduction to Roller Coasters"! :)
I think I prefer hydraulic launch, having been on Top Thrill and Maverick.
However, I prefer traditional chain lifts. It's more thrilling to have that slow climb to excitement. There's more mystery behind it too.
Very true! :)
My only experience is with LSMs, they're definitely the most common. I'd love to ride the Intamin accelerators and Dodonpa though.
I'd love to ride Dodonpa too! :)
Hydraulic launches! Great video man!
Great choice! Thank you :)
Launch coasters I've ridden (in the order I rode them):
1. Superman: Ultimate Flight (SFDK)
2. Revenge of the Mummy (USO)
3. Montezooma's Revenge (KBF)
4. Xcelerator (KBF)
5. Pony Express (KBF)
6. Revenge of the Mummy (USH)
7. Full Throttle (SFMM)
Hulk was not operating at IOA and Superman: Escape from Krypton was not operating at SFMM.
Awesome, which was your favourite? :)
COASTER BOT Definitely either Xcelerator, Full Throttle or the Mummy in Orlando! If I had to choose, I'd go with Xcelerator.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Mystery Castle (Phantasialand, Germany) also uses a Hydraulic catapult, doesn't it?
... and if I remember correctly, it was also built by Intamin, so THAT adds up :D
I'm not exactly sure, flat rides and drop towers aren't my speciality. :)
What about the watercooled LSM of Taron? A note would have been great since it's a faster variant of the LSM.
It is LSM nonetheless, so the actual raw technology of the propulsion system remains the same :) I'm sure many of the other types have slight variants also.
Yeah true but it is a big improvement in lsm technologie to get faster and more reliable. Baybe because of that we will see the fastest roller coaster being a LSM launch instead of hydraulic in the future.
Definitely linear synchronous, it's much more powerful than LIMs and gives you that kick and instant torque at the start of the acceleration that only electric motors can provide
I'm still trying to understand it by using flemings left hand rule for LIM, could someone please explain this to me?
I saw Thunderbird a launch coaster in holiday Indiana
Awesome!
I love Full Throttle at Six Flags CA!!
Nice. But I was hoping you'd mention the first launch coaster!
I completely forgot to mention Montezuma's Revenge! Sorry about that :)
Yes, it depends what type of launch you consider the real deal.
i only expirienzt Fluch of novgorot (lim/lsm) , Bllue fire (lim/lsm) , Dessert race (hydraulik) and Karacho (lim/lsm) and the best was Dessert rsce because the launch was Feeling way more intense as the other ones . (The strongest is From Fluch of Novgorot but it feals not so intense as the one from dessert race and the worst launch was Blue fire )
I love hydraulic and LSM launches.
Me too!