Inverted Impulse roller coaster

An Inverted Impulse roller coaster is a form of a launched inverted roller coaster manufactured by Intamin. The first Inverted Impulse roller coaster appeared in Japan, and the ride type has since evolved to include 4 specific layouts, 3 of these varieties being built in the USA.  It uses LIMs to launch a train out of the station and (in most installations) up a vertical spiral. The train then falls backwards, is powered again through the station, and heads up a back tower. The train then falls forwards, and continues in this fashion for a total of 2½ cycles per ride (three forward launches, two backwards). On the final forward launch, with a slightly reduced speed, the train is sent up the front tower, and brakes then deploy on the launch track. The train then slows down and heads back into the station.

The Original

Linear Gale

The original Inverted Impulse roller coaster, Linear Gale, made by Intamin, was built in 1998 at LaQua Amusement Park in Tokyo, Japan. Like the more modern Impulse roller coasters, it begins with a LIM launch. However, instead of going through a vertical twist, it simply heads up a straight spike of track. It heads backwards through the launch section and station and into another vertical spike of track, this time facing the ground. After a few more cycles, the train slows down and comes to a stop in the station.

Variations

Intamin Impulse

The first US installation was Superman: Ultimate Escape at Six Flags Ohio in Aurora, Ohio. Built in 2000, it was the first Intamin Impulse roller coaster to feature a vertical twist and a holding brake on the rear spike. The largest installation, Wicked Twister built in 2002 at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, did away with the straight section containing the holding brake and instead had a second twisting tower. V2: Vertical Velocity at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California originally had the twisted front and vertical rear towers when it was built in 2001. However, upon discovery of breaking the 150 ft. height restriction in the Vallejo area, the ride was altered to have a front section slanting at 45 degrees into an inline roll which ended with a straightaway, and the rear tower was lowered to the 150 ft height limit. The holding brake was also turned off, and has not been used since. V2: Vertical Velocity reopened in 2002, and is unique among Inverted Impulse roller coasters for being the only one with a true inversion.

Intamin Suspended Looping Launched Coaster

Although technically not an Inverted Impulse coaster, Volcano, The Blast Coaster utilized technology that would eventually be included in Impulse designs. It was manufactured by Intamin, the same company that manufacturers modern Impulse coasters; thus it utilized LIM motors, trains, and track structure similar to modern Impulse coasters. However, it was unlike Impulse coasters because of its full circuit, multiple train, dual-launch design.

Installations