Screamin' Swing

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Thunder N' Lightning, a Screamin' Swing operating at Lake Compounce
Thunder N' Lightning, a Screamin' Swing operating at Lake Compounce

Screamin' Swing is a pneumatically powered pendulum ride designed by S&S Power. The ride was first installed and operated in 2004 at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.

[edit] Design and operation

The original Screamin' Swing consists of a 70 foot tall A-frame, supporting two arms. Each arm supports two rows of seating, back to back. There are two main variants, one with 8 seats on each arm, and the other with 20 seats. The two swings usually operate simultaneously, although in opposite directions, and are propelled by compressed air, provided by Ingersoll Rand compressors. These compressors disperse air into tanks located within the arms, the movement triggering actuators and cables to produce the motion. Occasionally a park may only operate a single arm, due to staffing or mechanical reasons.

Currently, the tallest Screamin' Swing in the world is Skyhawk at Cedar Point. It stands 103 feet tall, swings to a height of 125 feet, has a maximum arc of 220°, and can achieve a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour.

The 100 foot tall Apollo’s Swing at Mt. Olympus Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells opened in 2007 as an upcharge attraction, and seats only 4 passengers, allowing it to achieve 75 MPH.

Some parks require a separate fee to experience Screamin' Swing, like the one at Knott's Berry Farm.

Tagline: "A couple extra dollars to make you holler."

[edit] Current installations

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