Enterprise (ride)

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Witches' Wheel, an Enterprise operaing at Cedar Point

The Enterprise is an amusement ride, first manufactured by HUSS Maschinenfabrik in 1972. The ride was an adaption and improvement of a design produced earlier that year by Schwartzkopf, with an increased passenger capacity and a hydraulic lift arm (as opposed to electro-mechanical). Despite not owning the original incarnation of the ride, HUSS was issued the patent.

1 Design and operation
- 1.1 Variants
  - 1.1.1 Schwartzkopf
  - 1.1.2 HUSS
2 Appearances
3 External links

[edit] Design and operation

In the ride, two persons sit in one of 20 gondolas arranged in a circle, one in front of the other. The ride moves counter clockwise, dispelling a slight amount of centrifugal force. A hydraulically-powered arm underneath the ride then raises and tilts the frame so that the ride is rotating at 87° from the horizontal, transforming the ride from a horizontal experience to a vertical one.

There are no safety restrains, insead the force applied to the riders is sufficient to keep them pinned in their seats.

The transportable version of the ride racks onto two trailers, the first carrying the wheel, arm, and drive systems while the second is loaded with the gondolas, platforms, and any additional equipment. The first trailer also acts as the base of the ride while in operation.

[edit] Variants

[edit] Schwartzkopf

The Schwartzkopf version of the Enterprise (which uses the same name as the HUSS version) has sixteen gondolas, reducing the diameter of the wheel. The gondolas are also smaller than the HUSS version. Originally, the gondolas were produced by Reverchon, but they were later replaced by in-house versions.

[edit] HUSS

An expanded version of the HUSS Enterprise is known as the Skylab This variant consists of fifteen four-person gondolas.
The Enterprise was the basis for the larger UFO.

[edit] Appearances

Note: Schwartzkopf versions of the ride are indicated with "(SDC)" following the park name

Australia - Four Enterprises; The Enterprise at Luna Park Melbourne, Reef Diver at Dreamworld (SDC), one travelling model. The fourth is under referbishment, location unknown.
Canada - At least one Enterprise, at Playland, and several portable models. At least one Skylab, The Orbiter at Paramount Canada's Wonderland
England - At least two, Zodiac at Thorpe Park and Enterprise at Alton Towers.
Scotland - One Enterprise, The Captain's Wheel at Loudoun Castle.
United States of America - At least six; Enterprise at Casino Pier, Valleyfair!, Lake Compounce, and the Strates Shows travelling railway carnival; Witches' Wheel at Cedar Point; Screamer at Lagoon Amusement Park; and The Orbit at Six Flags Great America (SDC). Amusement Rides Extravaganza states that there are 23 HUSS Enterprises in North America.