Frisbee (ride)

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The original Huss Frisbee, owned by German showman Rudolf Robrahn

Sledgehammer, a Giant Frisbee at Bobbejaanland

The Frisbee is an pendulum-motion amusement ride designed by HUSS Maschinenfabrik.

1 Design and operation
2 Variants
3 Appearances
4 References
5 See also

[edit] Design and operation

A 14 meter pendulum is suspended between two support frames. Attached to the base of this pendulum in a circular gondola, 8 meters in diameter. 36 to 40 riders (depending on individual design) are seated in the gondola, facing either inwards or outwards.

When the ride cycle starts, the gondola begins to rotate. In addition, the pendulum arm begins to swing through an arc of 170°. Riders experience speeds of up to 50mph (80km/h) during the ride. The ride is very exciting and enjoyable. It is a favorite thrill ride among many enthusiasts. Most parks require riders to be 48 inches or taller.

[edit] Variants

The success of the Frisbee design prompted HUSS to produce two additional variants. These are:

Giant Frisbee - The pendulum is extended to 19 metres, and is capable of swinging through a 240° arc. The gondola increases in size, and seats 50 riders, facing outward in suspended seats. The emphasis of the ride is more on the swinging motion than the spinning car.
Frisbee XL - Similar to the Giant Frisbee, the XL increases the swing arc to 260°, but seats only 40 outward-facing riders.

The success of the Huss Frisbee series has led to numerous other companies producing similar rides, of which the best known are the KMG Afterburner series, which has the same motion but with floorless seating; the Zamperla Discovery, which is similar to the Afterburner, and the Intamin Gyro Swing, which is very similar to the Huss Giant Frisbee.

[edit] Appearances

Belgium - At least one Giant Frisbee. This operates under the name of Sledgehammer, at Bobbejaanland.
Canada - At least one Frisbee ride, with one called Crazy Beach Party, at Playland.
Netherlands - At least two Frisbee rides. One operates under the name of The Tomahawk, at Walibi World, whilst Duinrell operates another with the name of Mad Mill.
Finland - One Giant Frisbee named Typhoon at PowerPark.
Australia - One Giant Frisbee named The Claw featured in Dreamworld, Australia.
United Kingdom - At least one Frisbee ride called "The Black Fly," at West Midland Safari Park.
United States - At least two Giant Frisbees: Delirium at Kings Island, maXair at Cedar Point. There are also at least six Frisbees: "Tazmanian Devil" at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Revolution at Six Flags Great America and at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Tomahawk at Six Flags New England, Frisbee at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Xtreme Frisbee at Canobie Lake Park, and Frisbee at Adventureland in Farmingdale, New York; there is also a Frisbee in the infield of Daytona International Speedway.
India - At least one Giant Frisbee. This operates under the name of Side Winder, at Adventure Island, Rohini, India.
Republic of Korea - One Giant Frisbee named Gyro Swing at Lotte World.