Enterprise (ride)

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The Enterprise is an amusement ride, manufactured primarily by HUSS Maschinenfabrik in 1972.^[1] The ride was an adaption and improvement of a design produced earlier that year by Schwarzkopf, with an increased passenger capacity and a hydraulic lift arm (as opposed to electro-mechanical).^[1] Despite not owning the original incarnation of the ride, HUSS was issued the patent.^[1]

Enterprises are manufactured by HUSS, Schwarzkopf, and Heintz Fahtze; all sharing the name Enterprise. Both trailer and park versions have been created and in use.

Contents 1 Design and operation 1.1 Variants 1.1.1 Schwarzkopf 1.1.2 Heintz Fahtze 1.1.3 HUSS 2 Appearances 3 Major Incidents 4 References

[edit] Design and operation

In the ride, up to two people sit in one of 20 gondolas arranged in a circle, one in front of the other.^[1] The ride moves counter clockwise, dispelling a slight amount of centrifugal force.^[1] 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.^[1]

There are no safety restraints; the force applied to the riders is sufficient to keep them pinned in their seats.^[1] Most parks and carnivals require riders to be at least 48 inches tall, though it is not uncommon to see restrictions as much as 54 inches or more. 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.^[1] The first trailer also acts as the base of the ride while in operation.^[1]

[edit] Variants

[edit] Schwarzkopf

The Schwarzkopf version of the Enterprise has sixteen gondolas, reducing the diameter of the wheel.^[1] The gondolas are also smaller than the HUSS version. Originally, the gondolas were produced in-house; they were later replaced by gondolas manufactured separately by Reverchon.^[1]

[edit] Heintz Fahtze

Heintz Fahtze manufactured some 16-gondola Enterprises. The last known operating park model is at Darien Lake, installed in 1983.^[2] Another portable ride is traveled in New Zealand by Mahons Amusements, loading on 2 trailers complete with backflash.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] HUSS

• An expanded version of the HUSS Enterprise is known as the Skylab. This variant consists of fifteen four-person gondolas.^[1]
• The Enterprise was the basis for the larger UFO amusement ride.^[1]

[edit] Appearances

Note: Schwarzkopf versions of the ride are indicated with "(SDC)" following the park or operator name. The Heintz Fahtze Enterprise is marked "(HF)".

• Australia - Four Enterprises; The Enterprise at Luna Park Melbourne, Reef Diver at Dreamworld (SDC), one traveling model. The fourth is under refurbishment, location unknown.^[1]
• Canada - At least three Enterprises, one at Playland, The STORM, at Calaway Park, and several portable models. At least one Skylab, The Orbiter at Canada's Wonderland
• Denmark - One Enterprise, 'Enterprise' at Bakken.
• England - At least four, Black Widow's Web at Lightwater Valley, Zodiac at Thorpe Park, Enterprise at Alton Towers, and a traveling Enterprise owned by Funfair Props.^[3]
• Estonia - At least one, a traveling model owned by Tivoli Tuur.^[4]
• Finland - At least one; Enterprise at Tykkimäki Amusement Park (SDC),^[5]
• Germany - Only one travelling Enterprise; Mondlift owned by Zehle.^[6]
• The Netherlands - Three Enterprises; Enterprice at Attractiepark Slagharen (SDC), G-Force at Walibi World, Spaceloop at Drievliet.
• New Zealand - One Traveling Enterprise, 'Enterprise' Mahons Amusements"(HF)".
• Israel - One in the Luna Park in Tel Aviv (this is the only mobile built Sky Lab ride that had been travelled in Germany in 1979-1990).
• Scotland - One Enterprise, The Captain's Wheel at Loudoun Castle.
• Spain - At least one; La Turbina at Parque de Atracciones, Madrid.^[7]
• United States of America^[8] - At least seventeen; Enterprise at Casino Pier, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Valleyfair!, Lake Compounce, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, the Strates Shows traveling railway carnival, and Murphy Bros. Exposition; Highland Fling at Six Flags St. Louis (SDC); Screamer at Lagoon Amusement Park; Silver Bullet at the Darien Lake Theme Park Resort (HF); Vertigo at Alabama Adventure; Volcano at Kennywood Park; Wheelie at Six Flags Over Georgia (SDC); Witches' Wheel at Cedar Point; The Orbit at Six Flags Great America (SDC) and Great America California (SDC); Scream Weaver at Carowinds; and Zulu at Worlds of Fun.

[edit] Major Incidents

• May 18, 2007 - An Estonian Enterprise owned by Tivoli Tuur and operating at a carnival in Rakvere caught fire.^[4] The ride was in motion, with riders aboard, when the fire suddenly ignited at approximately 11:00p.m..^[9] The ride was stopped and evacuated, but not before injuries were sustained by the riders.^[9] 31 patients were hospitalized with first- and second-degree burns, with an additional 10 admitted and checked for possible smoke inhalation. Six burn victims required further treatment, although they had either been released or were due to be released by May 23.^[4][9] The fire damaged the ride's electrical systems and five of the twenty gondolas.^[4] The ride owner suggested arson was to blame, although preliminary investigations found no evidence supporting this.^[4]

[edit] References