Molly Ayala
Storm Runner is a launched roller coaster located in the Pioneer Frontier section of Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was opened to the public in May 2004 and was constructed by Swiss roller coaster manufacturer Intamin at a cost of $12 million. Storm Runner is an Accelerator Coaster, in which trains are launched via a hydraulically charged system. This system uses hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen to create energy for the launch. While the ride itself is not powered by electricity, electric motors are used to return the catch car to its starting point after launch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania |
| Manufacturer | Intamin Amusement Rides |
| Type | Accelerator Coaster |
| Height | 150 feet (46 m) |
| Max Drop | 180 feet |
| Top Speed | 72 mph (116 km/h) |
| Launch Time | 2 seconds |
| Features | Top hat element, three inversions, dual loading station, magnetic braking system |
| Interactions | Dry Gulch Railroad, the Monorail, Trailblazer |
| First | Over-the-shoulder restraints, dual-loading station with switch tracks, inversions |
| Cost | $12 million |
| Duration | 34 seconds |
| Power Source | Hydraulic launch system |
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What You'll Learn
Storm Runner is a hydraulic launch roller coaster
Storm Runner is a roller coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was opened to the public on May 8, 2004, and is situated in the Pioneer Frontier section of the park. The ride was constructed by the Swiss manufacturer Intamin, which specialises in roller coasters. Storm Runner is an accelerator coaster, which means that trains are launched via a hydraulically charged system. Hersheypark opted for a hydraulic launch system as it uses less energy than a linear induction motor launch system.
The Storm Runner roller coaster features a dual loading station with side-by-side tracks. Guests board one of the ride's two five-car, two-bench trains from inside one of the two tracks and then advance onto the launch track. The train launches from 0 to 72 mph in under 2 seconds, with riders hearing a pre-recorded voice saying, "Now get ready, here we go", before the train reaches top speeds. The ride then climbs a 150-foot-tall "top hat" and travels down 180 feet at 75 mph. After this initial drop, the train enters the Cobra Loop, followed by a heartline roll and a Flying Snake Dive, which consists of a half Immelman roll that makes a vertical plunge back down towards Spring Creek.
The Storm Runner roller coaster interacts with three other rides at Hersheypark: the Dry Gulch Railroad, the Monorail, and the Trailblazer. The ride features magnetic brake fins, which slow down the car in the event of an unsuccessful launch. Storm Runner is also known as "Ghost Runner" during the "Hersheypark in the Dark" theme.
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It uses less energy than a linear induction motor launch
Storm Runner is a launched roller coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was opened to the public on May 8, 2004, and is situated in the Pioneer Frontier section of the park. The roller coaster was built by Intamin Amusement Rides and cost $12.5 million to construct.
Storm Runner is an Accelerator Coaster, where trains are launched via a hydraulically charged system. Hersheypark opted for a hydraulic launch mechanism because it consumes less energy than a linear induction motor launch system. Prior to launch, hydraulic fluid (a noncompressible fluid) is pumped into several accumulators filled with compressed nitrogen. The additional hydraulic fluid further compresses the nitrogen, generating energy for the launch. Once enough pressure is achieved, valves open and the pressure built in the accumulators is released, spinning a large winch that pulls the catch car and train rapidly down the track.
The roller coaster reaches a maximum height of 150 feet (46 meters) and a maximum drop of 180 feet. It can accelerate from 0 to 72 mph (116 km/h) in approximately two seconds. Storm Runner features a top hat element, three inversions, a dual loading station, and a magnetic braking system. The ride duration is only 34 seconds from launch to brakes.
Storm Runner was the first Accelerator Coaster to use over-the-shoulder restraints and the first to feature a dual-loading station with switch tracks. It was also the first Accelerator Coaster to incorporate inversions. The roller coaster was designed to interact with three other rides at Hersheypark: Dry Gulch Railroad, the Monorail, and Trailblazer.
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The ride reaches 72 mph in under 2 seconds
Storm Runner is a launched roller coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was opened to the public on May 8, 2004, and is situated in the Pioneer Frontier section of the park. The ride was constructed by Swiss roller coaster manufacturer Intamin and cost $12.5 million to build.
Storm Runner is an Accelerator Coaster, in which trains are launched via a hydraulically charged system. Hersheypark opted for a hydraulic launch system because it consumes less energy than a linear induction motor (LIM) launch system. The ride features a dual loading station with side-by-side tracks, where guests board one of the ride's two five-car, two-bench trains.
The launch of Storm Runner is a thrilling experience. As the train car rolls onto the magnetic break platform, a pre-recorded voice begins: "Now get ready, here we go." In under two seconds, the ride accelerates from 0 to 72 mph. This incredible speed is achieved through the use of hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen, which create the energy needed for a powerful launch.
As the valves open and the pressure is released, a large winch spins, propelling the catch car and train rapidly down the track. The train then climbs straight up a 150-foot-tall "top hat" element and plunges back down toward Spring Creek. It reaches a maximum speed of 75 mph and includes thrilling elements such as a Cobra Loop, heartline roll, and the renowned snake dive.
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It features a magnetic braking system
Storm Runner is a launched roller coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was opened to the public on 8 May 2004 and is situated in the Pioneer Frontier section of the park. The roller coaster reaches a maximum height of 150 feet (46 m) and has a maximum drop of 180 feet. Storm Runner launches riders from 0 to 72 mph (116 km/h) in two seconds. The ride features a magnetic braking system.
The magnetic braking system is an essential safety feature of the Storm Runner roller coaster. It is designed to slow down the ride vehicles and bring them to a safe and controlled stop at the end of the ride. The system uses magnetic forces to oppose the motion of the vehicles, gradually reducing their speed until they come to a complete halt. This type of braking system is often used in roller coasters and other amusement park rides due to its effectiveness in controlling speed and ensuring the safety of passengers.
The magnetic brakes are strategically placed at the end of the ride, just before the train returns to the station. As the train approaches the braking section, the magnetic forces are applied to slow it down. The magnets are carefully positioned and calibrated to exert a strong enough force to decelerate the train without causing any abrupt or uncomfortable stops. The system is designed to bring the train to a gentle and gradual stop, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for the riders.
The use of magnetic braking technology offers several advantages over traditional friction-based braking systems. Magnetic brakes do not rely on physical contact between the brake pads and the wheels, reducing wear and tear on the components. This results in lower maintenance costs and increased ride reliability. Additionally, magnetic brakes can provide more precise control over the deceleration process, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable experience for riders.
The inclusion of a magnetic braking system in the Storm Runner roller coaster demonstrates the park's commitment to safety and rider comfort. By utilising advanced technology, the braking system ensures that the train can be safely and effectively slowed down, bringing riders back to the station without compromising the thrilling experience of the ride. This combination of safety and excitement contributes to the overall appeal of the Storm Runner roller coaster at Hersheypark.
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Hersheypark paid $12 million for the ride
Storm Runner is a launched roller coaster located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was opened to the public on May 8, 2004, and is situated in the Pioneer Frontier section of the park. The ride was manufactured by Intamin Amusement Rides, a Swiss roller coaster manufacturer. Hersheypark paid $12 million for the ride, which replaced Balloon Flite, a children's ride that had been in operation for 23 years.
The Storm Runner features a hydraulic launch system, in which trains are launched via a hydraulically charged system. This launch system was chosen because it uses less energy than a linear induction motor launch system. Prior to launch, hydraulic fluid (a noncompressible fluid) is pumped into several accumulators filled with compressed nitrogen. The additional hydraulic fluid further compresses the nitrogen, creating energy for the launch. Once enough pressure is achieved, valves open and the pressure built in the accumulators is released, spinning a large winch that pulls the catch car and train rapidly down the track.
The roller coaster reaches a maximum height of 150 feet (46 m) and has a maximum drop of 180 feet. It can go from 0 to 72 mph in under 2 seconds and reaches top speeds of 75 mph. The ride features a top hat element, three inversions, a dual loading station, and a magnetic braking system. It also includes a cobra loop, a heartline roll, and a snake dive. The duration of the ride is just 34 seconds from launch to brakes.
The Storm Runner was Hersheypark's first Accelerator Coaster with over-the-shoulder restraints and a dual-loading station with switch tracks. It was also the first Accelerator Coaster to feature inversions. The ride has been described as a "true freak show" and has been said to fill a void in Hersheypark's roster, offering a unique experience that combines elements of mega coasters, rocket coasters, and multi-element loopers. During "Hersheypark in the Dark," the Storm Runner is renamed Ghost Runner.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Storm Runner is a launched roller coaster that uses a hydraulic launch system.
The hydraulic launch system uses hydraulic fluid (a noncompressible fluid) that is pumped into several accumulators filled with compressed nitrogen. The additional hydraulic fluid further compresses the nitrogen, creating energy for the launch.
The Storm Runner launches from 0 to 72 mph in under 2 seconds.
The Storm Runner is located at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
