Maurer Rides, a leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and transport solutions, has unveiled its latest ride model which will be showcased at IAAPA Expo next month.
“Wouldn’t it be great if you could defy physics and fly through alien worlds like a pilot?” says a company representative. “With Spike Fun, the world’s first powered roller coaster train for inversions, you get the acceleration you need to manoeuvre through never-before-seen track elements.
“The Omega symbolises a gateway to another world. Pass through it and experience a unique adventure in a new dimension. Travel through the Omega with your crew and dynamically experience new moves that seemed impossible before.”
Iconic elements
A high-intensity element that is difficult to incorporate on a traditional gravity-powered coaster, can be accomplished with the motorised drive of the Spike Fun without issue. The system provides the necessary thrust for riders to ascend the vertical spiral top hat and briefly experience weightlessness while standing upright. However, as soon as passengers discover the horizon, the car starts to spiral back towards the ground. The Omega Loop will impress as an iconic element designed to capture imaginations and selfies alike.
The powerful motor with 1050Nm torque delivers constant power, so the forces remain in motion during the entire ride, much like in a jet. The vehicle rapidly speeds into a left-hand turn during the vehicle’s launch from the station, pressing the pilot tightly into the seat before instantly ascending steeply into the shape of the Omega towards the sky.
Angled passenger seats
After reaching the top, the amazing flight resumes with wild manoeuvres, near-misses, and a flawless quick ride very close to the earth. Before arriving back at the station, everyone is guaranteed to lose their bearings once again in the final zero-G roll, which is magnificently integrated with a corkscrew.
During the voyage, the passenger can recline their seat using a joystick. This implies that each ride experience has the potential to be distinctive depending on the ride track components. When the seat tilts, providing a fresh unexpected dynamic movement, whether during takeoff, camelback, loop, wheelie, or jump, it always feels different depending on the time.
Within a 45° range, the seat surface’s tilt angle can be indefinitely modified. The seat can also be program-controlled and automatically tilted into different positions while the pilot is in control, in addition to interactive and self-determined control by the pilot.
The Spike Fun model provides higher capacity as well as enhances the capabilities and strengths of the popular Spike Racing Coaster. High levels of efficiency are achieved by electric drives, which automatically recycle energy used while braking, ensuring energy demand is far lower than for traditional launch coasters.
Maurer Rides will be sharing more details of the ride system at IAAPA Expo next month.
Maurer Rides recently manufactured the world’s longest roller coaster at sea, The Space Cruiser, with a top speed of 60 kph.
Images/Video: Maurer Rides
