Do you scream on a roller coaster ride? You slowly climb up a steep slope until an almost vertical1 drop, and then... Ahhhhhhhh!
Thrill-seekers like me are in luck because theme parks are pushing the boundaries of technology to create the fastest, tallest, scariest roller coasters the world has ever known.
Alton Towers in Britain opened the worlds first 14-loop roller coaster a few months ago, called The Smiler. Over in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World claims to have the worlds fastest one. But are we reaching the limits of what our body can stand?
Ferrari Worlds Formula Rossa ride blasts passengers from 0-240km/h in just 4.9 seconds. During this rapid acceleration2 they experience G-forces only fighter pilots usually feel: up to 4.8G.
John Wardley, the designer of several rides at Alton Towers, said: While we can withstand 6-8Gs for very short periods of time, if we experience 5G for more than five seconds were likely to black out.
On modern roller coasters passengers experience about 3G in tight turns and loops. But while we may have reached the limit in terms of G-forces, Justin Garvanovic of the European Coaster Club said there is: No technological3 limit to how fast or how high roller coasters can go - its all down to money.
Ride scan cosplayt from 2.5m to 25m , with the likes of Disney spending even more on themed rides involving elaborate sets. Alton Towers The Smiler cosplayt 18m to build.
Some manufacturers are finding other ways to keep us amused. Theres a move towards indoor rides where the experience is improved by audio-visual technologies.
For example, a company called Dynamic Structures is currently developing a coal-mine-themed ride for a client in Dubai that will combine speed and G-forces with 3D projection4 effects and robotics.
Their senior designer Craig Breckenridge says: Were switching tracks, and using video and projections5 that will trick your brain into thinking youre really falling.
I cant wait to enjoy this one. What about you: do you like being upside down?
