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Last updated on Friday, April 24, 2015
(SANTA CLAUS) - With a crowd of hundreds of roller coasters enthusiasts from around the nation cheering, America’s first launched wing coaster took flight over Holiday World Theme Park Thursday.
Thunderbird at Holiday World"This is an incredible day in our park's history," says park president Matt Eckert. "We can't wait to see and hear our guests' reaction to riding Thunderbird."
Thunderbird, Holiday World's new steel roller coaster features a zero-to-60 miles-per-hour launch in 3.5 seconds, followed by multiple inversions - including a 14-story Immelmann loop, Zero-g roll, barrel roll, and a loop soaring 125 feet in the air.
Continuing Holiday World's tradition of sending roller coasters through its thickly wooded and hilly terrain, Thunderbird at first soars and loops high in the air and then hugs the ground, surprising riders with rapid-fire "near misses" such as keyholes, themed elements, other rides, trees, and even the ground.
"A wing coaster creates a feeling of incredible freedom - you ride beside the coaster track with nothing above or below you," says Eckert. "Thunderbird is the first launched wing coaster in the nation - it's a whole new experience for thrill seekers."
Eckert calls Thunderbird's manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, the "Cadillac of roller coasters, known for their safety, quality and reliability. We've dreamed of adding a B&M steel coaster for many years and are excited that Thunderbird will be B&M's first launched coaster."
Thunderbird's $22 million price tag is more than twice the amount of any other single-ride investment at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in the park's 69-year history.
Thunderbird, which opens to the public on Saturday, is located in the park's Thanksgiving section. A new restaurant, the SmokeHouse, and a shop named Hevron's Mercantile will also open Saturday. Also new this season is George's Gluten-Free Pizza & Snacks, the park's latest effort to provide menus for those with special dietary needs.
Holiday World, the world's first theme park, opens for its 69th season on April 25; Splashin' Safari water park opens May 13. For more information, visit HolidayWorld.com or call 877-463-2645.
THUNDERBIRD Steel Roller Coaster Fact Sheet:
DESCRIPTION: Thunderbird is the nation's first launched wing coaster. It is Holiday World's first major steel roller coaster, with a 0-60mph launch in 3.5 seconds, followed by multiple inversions - including a 14-story Immelmann loop, Zero-g roll, barrel roll, and 125' loop. Continuing Holiday World's tradition of sending roller coasters through thickly wooded and hilly terrain, Thunderbird at first soars and loops high in the air and then hugs the ground, surprising riders with rapid-fire "near misses" such as keyholes, themed elements, other rides, trees, and even the ground.
TRACK LENGTH: 3,035 feet
RIDE HEIGHT:140 feet at Immelmann loop's peak
RIDE ELEMENTS:From start to finish:
SPEED: Thunderbird's top speed is 60 miles per hour
RIDE TIME: 1 minute, 18 seconds (station to station)
TRAINS: Two trains, each with five four-person coaches
CAPACITY: 1,140 Guests per hour
HEIGHT LIMIT: Riders must be at least 52 inches tall, but no taller than 6'6"
INVESTMENT: $22 million
RIDE DESIGNER: Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), Switzerland
LEGEND: In 1620, as the Mayflower neared the end of its 66 days at sea, a mighty storm nearly capsized the ship, taking it hundreds of miles off course. As passengers and crew feared all was lost, an immense bird appeared in the sky. The thunderbird, whose wings created the thunder and eyes flashed the lightning of the powerful storm, rescued the ship by launching it through the sky to the New World.
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