Gravitron

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This article is about the amusement ride. For the hypothetical elementary particle, see graviton.

The exterior of a Gravitron

The Gravitron (now currently marketed as the Starship 2000) is an amusement ride, most commonly found as a temporary ride. First manufactured by Wisdom Industries in 1983 (patented in 1986), the Gravitron quickly became a fixture at fairs and carnivals in many countries. Several examples of the Gravitron were produced under licence, ARM in the UK and Ferrari in Australia.

1 Design and operation
2 Starship 2000
3 Incidents
4 Appearances
5 External links

[edit] Design and operation

Riders on the Gravitron's walls

The ride is completely enclosed, with 45 padded panels lining the inside wall. Riders lean against these panels, which are angled back. As the ride rotates, centrifugal force pushes the riders against the padding, which also begins to slide up on rollers, removing the rider from the floor. The ride can reach a maximum speed of 24 rpm in less than 20 seconds, due to the 33 kW 3-phase motor. At this speed, the riders are experiencing centrifugal force equevilant to 4 gravities.

The ride operator is located in the centre of the ride, and controls lighting and music in addition to the ride itself. Some variants include Closed-circuit television cameras, allowing waiting riders and passersby to observe the ride in action.

The entire ride racks on a single 50ft trailer for transport. The ride can be assembled in less than six hours, and packed up in three.

[edit] Starship 2000

Starship 2000 is the exact same ride as the Gravitron. The only difference is that the outside has changed, and of course the name. There are now Starship 3000's out.

[edit] Incidents

An accident occurred at the Dade County Youth Fair when a girl flew out of the ride, due to a panel coming off while the ride was in motion. The girl and 7 other passengers were injured. As a result, DCYF stengthened their safety guidelines and removed the ride from the park.^{[citation needed]}

The Central DJ Booth

[edit] Appearances

Australia - At least six; Vortex at Dreamworld and five travelling models.
United States of America - Believed to be upwards of 30. Morey's Piers hosts the original ride.