originally posted on 7/12/2019
Photo: Courtesy Six Flags. View full-sized image.
"I feel the need … the need for speed!"
So the saying goes …
S&S Worldwide has taken pneumatic launches of its Thrust Air Coaster model to a new level here in North America with Maxx Force. The spiritual successor to Do-Dodonpa in Japan at Fuji-Q Highlands, Maxx Force captures three new world records for Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois): fastest launch in North America (0 to 78 mph in under two seconds), fastest inversion in the world (60 mph zero-G roll) and tallest double-inversion in the world (175 feet above ground).
That’s a lot of records jammed into 22 seconds of high thrills.
Photo: Courtesy Six Flags. View full-sized image.
The lead car is designed to resemble a Formula 1 race car and is quite striking. Mirrored chrome and comfortable seating make for a nice ride.
Pull across the seat belt, push down the lap bar-only restraint and the race car lurches out of the station slowly just like a Formula 1 race car leaving the pit. As the catch car mechanism hooks into the lead car, tensions rise. Unlike other launch rides of its kind, riders receive no warning.
Hiss.
BANG!!!
Photo: Courtesy Six Flags. View full-sized image.
Photo: Courtesy Six Flags. View full-sized image.
The rider is launched off the starting line, feeling a large explosion as the air pressure pushes riders to 78 mph, faster than any street-legal car on the road. Inversion after inversions happen quickly, barely allowing anyone the chance to compute exactly what is happening. Not a moment occurs in the 22-second sensory experience when the rider is waiting for something to happen. Maxx Force is extremely smooth, and the inversions aren't remotely jarring. Finishing up the course happens with a unique brake run down the backside of an inversion, the last of five.
It’s a short ride but one that packs a punch.
Joe Draves (left) of Ride Centerline. Photo: Jeffrey Peters. View full-sized image.
Joe Draves of Ride Centerline, designer of Maxx Force, was on hand at the opening and quite excited to explain Maxx Force and the launch system. Each car is weighed quickly on inching out to the pre-staging area so the actuators know exactly how much air pressure is needed to ensure the 78-mph speed is hit every time no matter the weight. A very likable man, Draves’ excitement was evident as he spoke about Maxx Force’s design. He also explained the numerous safety systems and functionality in case rollbacks occur.
The coaster sports two trains, each seating 16 passengers.
Photo: Courtesy Six Flags. View full-sized image.
Coaster fans should make plans to get to Six Flags Great America. Maxx Force is an excellent addition to a fan-favorite lineup, now boasting 15 coasters. Widely known as a park delivering several first-of-its-kind roller coasters, Six Flags Great America has added Maxx Force to the likes of Goliath, Raging Bull and X-Flight to thrill the public.
— John Byrne
ACE Western Great Lakes Assistant Regional Representative
Click to see ACE Regional Representative Jeffrey Peters and Assistant Regional Representative John Byrne go for a spin.
Photo: Duane Marden. View full-sized image.
Photo: John Byrne. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
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