How are hydraulics capable to launch Xcelerator?

The hydraluic fluid is pressurized, not compressed... The fluid is being forced with the help of gases through the smaller pipes on the catapult motor. This is the same basic principle that hydraulic jacks use. As you raise the jack, the fluid in the jack is being pressurized causing the cylinder to rise. And, when you release the pressure, the cylinder lowers. Since the fluid is moving at a very high speed, the motor can build up speed very quickly thus allowing the catapult to travel in speeds in excess of 110mph. The greatest thing about this launch system is the lack of noise that it puts out. It's silense is very weird when standing in line, but that silence is broken by the 20 different screams onboard while being catapulted.

Also, the rollback mechanism is genius. Seeing those blades fall like dominoes is pretty damn cool.

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WCUSA-The World's largest theme park is coming!
Theme parks will NEVER be the same!

*** This post was edited by Chris Godsey on 7/12/2002. ***

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Chris Godsey said:
Since the fluid is moving at a very high speed, the motor can build up speed very quickly thus allowing the catapult to travel in speeds in excess of 110mph.

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I know I'm breaking the quoting rule, but I did this to emphasize his point. Just remember this speed...and take it into consideration while voting for the poll...

*** This post was edited by CPgenius on 7/12/2002. ***

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"If the beats were made of meat then they would have to be me ..." - L.L. Cool J

It basically works the same way as a jet engine.. the fluid rushes in and turns the turbine. Refer to the photo linked below...

http://www.westcoaster.net/photo.php?img=042702/042702-kbf020-lrg.jpg

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WCUSA-The World's largest theme park is coming!
Theme parks will NEVER be the same!

ACN has a short explination of how Xcelerator's launch works.

From my understanding there, and shoot me if I'm wrong, nitrogen and hydraulic fluid are in some sort of tank. Nitrogen is pumped in at a high pressure, and then finally releases the hydraulic fluid into a turbine system. The turbine spins at around 9000 horesepower, and launches the coaster.

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Tommy Penner - Variable X
Cedar Point FanBoy since 2001.
Enthusiasts always remember: You used to be part of the GP too!

*** This post was edited by MiLLeNNiUMRiDeR on 9/15/2002. ***