Vertical Velocity (roller coaster)

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For the roller coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, see The Flash: Vertical Velocity.
Vertical Velocity
Previously known as Vertical Velocity (2001-2021)
Vertical Velocity Logo.svg
V2 Twisted Spike.jpg
Vertical Velocity's twisted tower.
Six Flags Great America
LocationSix Flags Great America
Park sectionYankee Harbor
Coordinates42°22′04.59″N 87°55′56.70″W / 42.3679417°N 87.9324167°W / 42.3679417; -87.9324167Coordinates: 42°22′04.59″N 87°55′56.70″W / 42.3679417°N 87.9324167°W / 42.3679417; -87.9324167
StatusOperating
Opening dateMay 18, 2001; 20 years ago (2001-05-18)
General statistics
TypeSteel – Inverted – Launched
ManufacturerIntamin
ModelShuttle Coaster
Track layoutTwisted Impulse
Lift/launch systemLIM
Height186 ft (57 m)
Length630 ft (190 m)
Speed70 mph (110 km/h)
Inversions0
Capacity1100 riders per hour
Height restriction54–80 in (137–203 cm)
TrainsSingle train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train.
Flash Pass Available
Must transfer from wheelchair
Vertical Velocity at RCDB
Pictures of Vertical Velocity at RCDB

Vertical Velocity (V2) is an inverted steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.

Manufactured by Intamin under the trade name "Twisted Impulse Coaster", this launched shuttle-style coaster, located in the Yankee Harbor section of the park, has been operating since May 18, 2001.[1]

History[]

On March 12, 2001, Six Flags Great America announced the addition of two new roller coasters. These were Vertical Velocity and Déjà Vu.[2] Two months later, Vertical Velocity would officially open on May 18, 2001.[1]

In September 2021, Vertical Velocity closed temporarily for repainting. Though not officially announced, the park has teased that the ride would be themed to The Flash from a sign outside of the ride's entrance. The supports were repainted red (originally teal) and the track remained yellow.[3]

Ride experience[]

The coaster's single seven-car (28-passenger) train runs along a 200 m (656 ft) U-shaped track, incorporating two 186-foot (57 m) vertical towers. The forward tower incorporates a twisted spiral and the rearward towering provides a straight freefall. The 20 m (65 ft) train, propelled by linear induction motors (LIMs), is accelerated in less than four seconds to 70 mph (110 km/h) toward the forward tower before dropping back down through the station house and up the rearward tower. A holding brake is incorporated on the rear straight tower and was able to suspend the train momentarily (usually on the final ascent during each ride) before dropping it back down to the station house. However, the holding brake has not been used since September 2008 due to maintenance issues. The train passes, at speed, through the station four times per 2,700-foot (820 m) ride and is smoothly braked by eddy-current braking before being brought into final position at the station by the LIMs. Vertical Velocity is similar to Steel Venom at Valleyfair and also similar to Possessed at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

Timeline[]

  • 2001 – Construction completed; operation begun.
  • 2004 – Additional support was added on both towers to increase stability.
  • 2008 – Holding brake on the back tower ceased operation.
  • 2021 - Closed temporarily for a repaint and possible retheme to The Flash

References[]

  1. ^ a b Marden, Duane. "Vertical Velocity  (Six Flags Great America)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  2. ^ "Six Flags Great America To Elevate Thrills This Season". Ultimate Rollercoaster.
  3. ^ "Vertical Velocity At Six Flags Great America Is Now Closed, But Something Looks Set for 2022".
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