Viper (Six Flags Great Adventure)

Viper was a TOGO mega heartline roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure. Viper was closed at the end of 2004 and was demolished in June 2005 for several reasons and was replaced with El Toro.

Viper stood 89 feet (27 m) tall and reached a top speed of 48 mph (77 km/h). It had two inversions; a dive loop after the first drop, and then a heartline roll. The ride ran three trains with four cars per train. Riders were seated two across and each train seated a total of 16 passengers. The trains resembled a snake, and were colored light green and orange.

History

In 1990, Six Flags Great Adventure had 5 roller coasters, but due to ride rotation programs and the purchase of Batman the Ride, the park was down to only three by the end of 1992. Batman's opening brought the park back up to four coasters in 1993. At that point a decision was made to buy a new coaster for the park. Because Ultra Twister was increasing in popularity, TOGO was hired to design and build a similar coaster to occupy the site that Ultra Twister once stood on.

In September 1994, Ultra Twister was torn down and construction of Viper began. Construction ended in April 1995.

In May 1995, Viper opened but shortly closed due to technical difficulties. It ran normally by June.

In 1996, due to its uncomfortable restraints, Viper's popularity began to fade and as a result, the lines shortened.

In 1997, the ride did not operate for a majority of the season due to Six Flags having difficulty procuring replacement parts as TOGO experienced financial issues due to problems with Windjammer Surf Racers. The ride was scheduled to reopen normally on Labor Day of 1998.

In 2001, Viper stood shut down throughout the season, being considered "Standing but not operating". Following the closure, Viper was withdrawn from the official website, the park guides, and map. Six Flags planned to remove Viper that year, but it was canceled because Six Flags had failed to find a replacement attraction to fit the land occupied by Viper.

In 2002, after some modifications on the restraints and track, Viper reopened. The ride continued to be rough and the coaster frequently experienced mechanical issues.

In 2004, Viper operated with one train during normal operations. On Labor Day, Six Flags experienced failed attempts of fixing to ride due to the issues. They decided to cut financial losses and permanently shut down the ride.

In 2005, demolition for Viper began in May, leaving only the station. Multiple issues were found including frequent performance issues with the ride, mechanical issues, and big amounts of down time. Nearby rides including Rodeo Stampede and Taz Twister were removed as well to make way for El Toro.

In 2006, Six Flags utilized Viper's station for El Toro, currently being the only part of Viper still in use.