Enterprise (ride)

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Enterprise
Enterprise på TusenFryd.jpg
"Enterprise" at TusenFryd in 2005 (Norway). Opened: 1988 and closed: 2006
First manufactured1972
No. of installationsAbout 64
ManufacturerHUSS Park Attractions
G force3
Vehicle typeGondola
Vehicles20
Riders per vehicle1-4
Restraint StyleCage
"Zodiac" at Thorpe Park in 2003

The Enterprise is an amusement ride, manufactured primarily by HUSS Park Attractions and Anton Schwarzkopf beginning in 1972.[1] The HUSS ride was an adaptation and improvement of a design produced earlier that year by Schwarzkopf, with an increased passenger capacity.[1] Despite not owning the original incarnation of the ride, HUSS was issued the patent.[1]

Although Schwarzkopf was the first to build the more standard Enterprise, the overall design was actually predated by another ride, the Passat, which first opened in 1964.[2] This is only considered a precursor, however, as the mechanism used to lift the arm up and down as well as the overall look of the ride is much different from a typical Enterprise.

The ride is named after USS Enterprise from the TV series Star Trek. The backdrop is decorated with space-themed art and a silhouette of the starship Enterprise.

Enterprises are manufactured by HUSS, Schwarzkopf, and Heinz Fähtz; all sharing the name Enterprise. Both trailer and park versions have been created and are in use.

In 2015, Italian manufacturer Zamperla introduced the Endeavour, a new ride billed as being based on the Enterprise.[3] This ride mainly differs in its seating and restraint configuration, which is floorless with over-the-shoulder restraints.

Design and operation[]

The Kwal at Drievliet (Netherlands).

In the ride, up to two people sit in one of 20 gondolas arranged in a circle, one in front of the other.[1] The ride moves clockwise, dispelling a slight amount of centrifugal force.[1] A hydraulically powered arm underneath the ride then raises and tilts the frame so that the ride is rotating at 87° from the horizontal, transforming the ride from a horizontal experience to a nearly vertical one.[1]

On most Enterprise models, there are no safety restraints; the force applied to the riders is sufficient to keep them pinned in their seats.[1] However, some models have been fitted with seat belts. Most parks and carnivals require riders to be at least 48 inches tall, though it is not uncommon to see restrictions as much as 54 inches or more. The transportable version of the ride racks onto two trailers, the first carrying the wheel, arm, and drive systems while the second is loaded with the gondolas, platforms, and any additional equipment.[1] The first trailer also acts as the base of the ride while in operation.[1]

Variants[]

Passat[]

Much like any other Enterprise-type ride, the Passat has a number of caged gondolas, in this case 12, that sit around a circular frame, which, in turn, sits on the end of an arm. But what makes this ride different from an Enterprise is that the center of the frame, as well as the end of the arm, is fitted around an arc-shaped pillar, which is used to raise and lower the arm in order to tilt it from horizontal to vertical. The earliest known machine, Passat, was originally built by German show family Winter, who started traveling it to funfairs in 1964.[2] Later machines were built by Klaus[4] and possibly Heinz Fähtz.[citation needed] Although the whereabouts of these rides are mostly unknown, there is one, known as Super Passat, which is currently believed to be in storage.[5]

Giant Enterprise/SkyLab[]

In the early 1980s HUSS produced a larger version of the Enterprise called the SkyLab. It features fifteen to twenty four-seater gondolas (up to four riders per seat) and had a diameter of approximately 60 feet or greater. Most SkyLabs have been dismantled; however, there are two known models still operating: Cyclone at Parque Del Café in Montenegro, Quindio, Colombia, and Sky Loop at Luna Park in Tel Aviv, Israel.

UFO[]

HUSS used the basis of the Enterprise for another ride called the UFO. This ride was similar in operation, but the cars did not swing freely and riders stood up facing the center of the ride. Similarly to most Enterprise rides, there are no restraints due to the centrifugal force experienced on the ride. This ride is no longer in production.

Fly Away[]

Alakazam at Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes, a Fly Away variation of the ride with a custom harness that gives the effect of riding a magic carpet

HUSS also used the design of the Enterprise for a newer attraction called Fly Away. In this version, riders lay on their stomachs to simulate the feeling of flying. This version also has the capability to spin riders forwards or backwards.

Schwarzkopf[]

The Schwarzkopf versions of the Enterprise have either 16 or 21 gondolas, thus having a different diameter of the wheel.[1] The gondolas are also smaller than the HUSS version. Originally, the gondolas were produced in-house; they were later replaced by gondolas manufactured separately by Reverchon.[1]

Heinz Fähtz[]

Heinz Fähtz manufactured some 16-gondola Enterprises. The only known operating park model is at Darien Lake, installed in 1981.[6] Another portable ride is traveled in New Zealand by Mahons Amusements, loading on 2 trailers complete with backflash.[citation needed][7]

Emiliana Luna Park[]

The Emiliana Luna Park version of the Enterprise has 20 gondolas.[8] One Enterprise manufactured by Emiliana Luna Park, named Kehrä, is located at Linnanmäki amusement park in Finland.[9]

Appearances[]

Note: The Schwarzkopf Park Model versions of the ride are indicated with "(SDC)" following the park or operator name. The Heinz Fähtz Enterprise is marked "(HF)".
The Reef Diver at Dreamworld.

Current rides[]

  • Argentina – At least two; Enterprise I at Parque de la Ciudad and Enterprise II (SDC) at Parque de la Ciudad
  • Australia – At least three; The Enterprise at Luna Park Melbourne, one traveling model, and a third under refurbishment, location unknown.[1]
  • Canada – At least two; Enterprise at Playland, The STORM, at Calaway Park, and several portable models
  • Colombia – At least one; Cyclone at Parque Nacional del Café
  • Chile - Super Hero (Fly Away) at Fantasilandia
  • Denmark – At least two; Enterprise at Bakken (disassembled and is to be renovated and sold) and 'Solhjulet' at Sommerland Syd[10]
  • Egypt – One in Dream Park; largest amusement park in Egypt and the Middle East
  • Estonia – At least one; a traveling model owned by Tivoli Tuur. Got into fire in 2007; 41 were injured.[11]
  • Finland – Two; Enterprise (Huss) at PowerPark amusement park (from 2019) [12] and Kehrä (Emiliana Luna Park) at Linnanmäki amusement park (from 2009).[13]
  • France – At least one Enterprise; Gravity at Kingoland.[14]
  • Germany – One travelling Enterprise; Mondlift owned by Zehle.,[15] plus a few stationary Enterprises in different amusement parks – all manufactured by Huss.
  • Italy - Enterprise Famiglia bellucci "Puglia" (HUSS) ... (Trailer Mode) Year 2014
  • India − At least five; three at Mumbai (2 at Six Flags, 1 at Play Land), 1 in New Delhi at Essel World and 1 at Hydrabad at Musky Mountain
  • Israel – Sky Lab at Luna Park in Tel Aviv (this is the only mobile built ride that had travelled in Germany in 1979–1990)
  • Nigeria – One of its kind Enterprise at Hi Impact Planet Amusement park & Resort, Lagos Ibadan Expressway Ibafo (HF)[16]
  • Netherlands – At least four; Enterprise (SDC) at Attractiepark Slagharen, G-Force at Walibi Holland, Kwal at Drievliet and Tarantula Magica at .
  • New Zealand – One traveling; Enterprise at Mahons Amusements (HF)[17]
  • Poland - One; Enterprise (HUSS) at Śląskie Wesołe Miasteczko, Chorzów.[18]
  • United Kingdom At least four; Enterprise at Dreamland Margate, Zodiac at Thorpe Park, Enterprise at Alton Towers, and a traveling Enterprise owned by Funfair Props.[19]
  • United States of America[20] – At least ten; Centennial Screamer at Lagoon Amusement Park; Enterprise at Dorney Park, Fun Spot America (Orlando; SDC), the Strates Shows traveling railway carnival, and Murphy Bros. Exposition; Flyin' Tiger at Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin'; The Orbit (SDC) at California's Great America; Scream Weaver (SDC) at Carowinds; Silver Bullet at Darien Lake (HF); and Zulu at Worlds of Fun.

Past appearances[]

The following Enterprise rides at the following amusement parks are now defunct.

Note: The Schwarzkopf Park Model versions of the ride are indicated with "(SDC)" following the park or operator name.
  • Alakazam (Fly-Away) at Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes (2002-2016) moved to Fantasilandia, Chile
  • Apple Turnover (SDC) at Kings Dominion (1976–1991)
  • Black Widow's Web at Lightwater Valley (2001-2017)
  • Cyclops at Hersheypark
  • Enterprise at Camden Park (closed in 1993)
  • Enterprise at Loudon Castle, Scotland (?–2010), closed when the park went defunct
  • Enterprise at Rocky Point Amusement Park (closed in 1994)
  • Enterprise at Lake Compounce (1986-2015), moved to Kennywood and operated through 2020.
  • Enterprise at Boblo Island Amusement Park (????-1993)
  • Enterprise at Parque de Atracciones de Vizcaya (closed in 1990)
  • Enterprise (Huss Portable Model) at Six Flags Great Adventure (1975–1977)
  • Spin Meister (SDC) at Six Flags Great Adventure (1979–2005), originally named Enterprise.
  • Enterprise (Huss Portable Model) at Tusenfryd (1988–2006). Moved to Lindströms Tivoli in Sweden (2006), and to a Swedish showman, Håkan Skogh (2006–2009). From 2010 owner Troost-Spel in the Netherlands.
  • Enterprise at Wasalandia (1988–1996)
  • Enterprise at Mariner's Landing, Wildwood, NJ (1977-1999)
  • Enterprise at Oaks Amusement Park
  • Enterprise at Fun Forest, Seattle Center (closed ca. 2009)
  • Enterprise at Valleyfair (closed in 2016)
  • Enterprise (SDC) at Tykkimäki (1999-2017)
  • Enterprise at Kentucky Kingdom (closed in 2017)
  • Enterprise at Casino Pier (1975-2012; destroyed by Hurricane Sandy), reportedly the first Enterprise in the United States.[21]
  • Highland Fling (SDC) at Six Flags St. Louis (1977-2017)
  • La Turbina (SDC) at Parque de Atracciones de Madrid[22]
  • Loop Trainer Flying Machine (SDC) at Knott's Berry Farm (1976–1989)
  • Nightwing at Six Flags New England (closed in 2008)
  • Orbit (SDC) at Six Flags Great America (closed in 2016)
  • The Orbiter at Canada's Wonderland (1981-2018)
  • Reactor at Six Flags Magic Mountain (1977–1993) (originally named Enterprise from 1977 to 1987)
  • Reef Diver at Dreamworld (1983 -2014) (originally named Enterprise from 1983 to 2002)
  • Rodeo Round-Up at Frontier City (closed in 2015)
  • Silver Bullet at Geauga Lake (1976–2004) (originally named Enterprise from 1976 to 1996)
  • Skylab at Great Escape (closed in 2001)
  • Skylab at Kings Island (1986–1997)
  • Vertigo at Alabama Adventure (1998-2011; in storage 2003-2006)
  • Volcano at Kennywood (1978-2015; 2016-2020), originally named Enterprise. Structure replaced with former Lake Compounce model from 2016-2020.
  • Wagon Wheel (SDC) at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (1996–2011) (originally at Six Flags Over Texas from 1977 to 1995 as Spinnaker)
  • Wheelie (SDC) at Six Flags Over Georgia (1977–2012), removed and closed to make way for SkyScreamer. Moved to Fun Spot America Theme Parks Orlando park in 2013.
  • Witches' Wheel (Huss) at Cedar Point (1977-2018)

Incidents[]

  • October 17, 1983 – An 18-year-old boy was killed and several bystanders were injured at the Texas State Fair when a gondola fell off the ride.[23]
  • 1993 - More than 50 people were injured following a hydraulic malfunction at Camden Park in Huntington, West Virginia.[24]
  • September 22, 2001 – Two teenagers sustained minor injuries when one support on a gondola broke on Zodiac at Thorpe Park, UK.[25] The gondola repeatedly hit the decking at the bottom of the ride whilst the operator attempted to stop the ride. The incident was taken to court, where the judge criticised the length of time it took to shut down the ride after an abnormal noise had been noticed. The park was fined £65,000 and made to pay an extra £35,000 in costs.
  • May 18, 2007 – An Estonian Enterprise owned by Tivoli Tuur and operating at a carnival in Rakvere caught fire.[11] It was in motion, with riders aboard, when the fire suddenly ignited at approximately 11:00 p.m.[26] It was stopped and evacuated, but not before injuries were sustained by the riders.[26] 31 patients were hospitalized with first and second degree burns, with an additional 10 admitted and checked for possible smoke inhalation. Six burn victims required further treatment, with all six released from the hospital by May 23.[11][26] The fire damaged the ride's electrical systems and five of the 20 gondolas.[11] Preliminary investigations found no evidence to conclusively conclude what had caused the incident, but the owner suggested it might have been arson.[11]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l Burton, David. "Amusement Ride Extravaganza – Enterprise". Retrieved 2007-03-15.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "Passat (Winter)". www.ride-index.de. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
  3. ^ "Endeavour". Zamperla. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
  4. ^ "Passat (Feldl)". www.ride-index.de. Retrieved 2017-03-30.
  5. ^ "Super-Passat". www.ride-index.de. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  6. ^ "The Flat Joint – Heintz Fahtze Enterprise". Retrieved 2007-03-15.
  7. ^ As of February 2021, Mahons Amusements confirmed the ride was last setup in April 2008 and fully functional. Since then it has been put in storage awaiting future refurbishment.
  8. ^ https://www.emilianalunapark.com/ride/enterprise/
  9. ^ https://www.linnanmaki.fi/fi/laitteet/kehra
  10. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-08-07. Retrieved 2012-07-08.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e "Cause of amusement park fire in Estonia remains unknown". Helsingin Sanomat International Edition. 2007-05-21. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
  12. ^ https://www.powerpark.fi/huvitukset/huvipuisto/huvilaitteet/enterprise
  13. ^ https://www.linnanmaki.fi/fi/laitteet/kehra
  14. ^ https://www.kingoland.com/project/gravity/
  15. ^ Zehle. "Mondlift" (in German). Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-05-22.
  16. ^ "Home, Hi Impact Amusements". www.hi-impactplanet.com. Retrieved 2018-07-23.
  17. ^ "Home, Mahons Amusements". www.mahonsamusements.co.nz. Retrieved 2016-09-16.
  18. ^ http://www.wesole-miasteczko.pl/www/en/strona/10
  19. ^ "Funfair Props Rides List". Husky at . Archived from the original on 2008-02-12. Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  20. ^ According to Amusement Rides Extravaganza, there are 22 HUSS Enterprises in North America; this does not include other manufacturers and may or may not include Canada.
  21. ^ "Our History from 1932 to Today". Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
  22. ^ Ruchard Bannister (2003). "Coaster Trips 2003: Parque de Atracciones Madrid". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  23. ^ "CPSC Announces Corrective Action Plan For Popular "Enterprise" Amusement Park Ride". Archived from the original on 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  24. ^ [1] "Readers remember 100 years of Camden Park", in The Herald-Dispatch, April 14, 2013.
  25. ^ "Theme park accident owners fined". BBC News. 2004-04-29. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
  26. ^ Jump up to: a b c Roman, Steve (2007-05-23). "Investigation into fun fair blaze continues". The Baltic Times. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
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