Skyrush facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Skyrush
Skyrush's logo and overbank.
Hersheypark
Location	Hersheypark
Park section	The Hollow
Status	Operating
Opening date	May 26, 2012 (2012-05-26)
Cost	US$25,000,000
General statistics
Type	Steel
Manufacturer	Intamin
Designer	Werner Stengel
Model	Wing Coaster (Intamin)
Track layout	Twister
Lift/launch system	Cable
Height	212 ft (65 m)
Drop	200 ft (61 m)
Speed	75 mph (121 km/h)
Inversions	0
Duration	1:03
Max vertical angle	85°
G-force	5
Height restriction	54–77 in (137–196 cm)
Trains	2 trains with 8 cars. Riders are arranged 4 across in a single row for a total of 32 riders per train.
Skyrush at RCDB

Skyrush is an exciting roller coaster at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It's special because it has "winged seating," meaning some seats hang off the side of the track, making you feel like you're flying! Skyrush opened on May 26, 2012. It was the 12th roller coaster built at Hersheypark and the third one made by a company called Intamin. Skyrush is the tallest roller coaster at Hersheypark and the second fastest.

This amazing ride features a tall cable lift that pulls the train up very quickly, reaching a height of 212 feet (that's about as tall as a 20-story building!). The roller coaster is located in a part of Hersheypark called The Hollow, right next to other popular rides like the Comet and SooperDooperLooper. Much of the ride zooms over Spring Creek, adding to the thrill.

How Skyrush Was Built

The idea for Skyrush was first shared with local officials on August 17, 2010. They talked about building a new attraction that would be over 212 feet tall. Later, the park showed a possible design for the roller coaster.

Before the ride was officially announced, Hersheypark started a fun campaign called "Project 2012." They gave out clues about the new attraction, but didn't confirm anything. However, some details about the ride, including its name, "Skyrush," became known because of the work needed around Spring Creek.

Part of Skyrush's track

Skyrush was officially announced on August 2, 2011. They even showed a video of what it would be like to ride it! Soon after, bright yellow track pieces began arriving at the park for construction. These tracks were special because they had a "double-spine" design, making them very strong. To let fans watch the progress, Hersheypark even set up a webcam on their website in December 2011.

On May 2, 2012, Skyrush started testing with special water dummies to make sure everything was safe. Finally, on May 26, 2012, Skyrush opened to everyone, and lots of people came to Hersheypark to try it out!

What It's Like to Ride Skyrush

The Exciting Path of the Ride

Right after you leave the station, a fast cable lift pulls your train to the very top of the hill, 212 feet above the ground. Then, get ready for a thrilling 200-foot drop where the train reaches its top speed of 75 miles per hour!

After the big drop, the train zooms through a large turn to the right and then over a big "airtime hill." Airtime is that awesome feeling where you lift out of your seat for a moment! Next, you'll go through a twisting 270-degree helix before hitting another airtime hill, which passes right under the first one.

The ride continues with a right turn that smoothly changes into an "overbanked turn." This is a turn that's tilted more than a normal turn, almost like you're on your side! After the overbank, the ride drops down and quickly moves into a highly banked right turn, which then leads into another twisted airtime hill. You'll experience one more airtime hill before a final highly banked turn to the left. Finally, the train slows down on the brake run, bringing your exciting ride to an end.

About Skyrush's Design

Track Details

Skyrush has bright yellow track pieces and light blue support poles. The ride reaches a maximum height of 212 feet and drops 200 feet. It can reach speeds of about 75 miles per hour on its 3,600-foot-long track. At the bottom of the first drop, riders feel a maximum of 5 Gs, which is like feeling five times your body weight pushing down on you! On the second airtime hill, you'll experience a feeling of -2 Gs, which is like being pushed up out of your seat.

The Special Trains

The trains on Skyrush are wider than many other roller coaster trains. They have two extra seats on each side that hang off the main part of the train. This is why Skyrush's slogan is "Ride the Edge!" Other Intamin coasters at Hersheypark, like Fahrenheit and Storm Runner, have trains with only two seats across. Each empty Skyrush train weighs about 13 tons.

Some riders have mentioned that the restraints on Skyrush can feel very tight, especially during the intense airtime moments when the ride pushes you up. This pressure is mostly felt on the lower body.

Awards Skyrush Has Won

Skyrush was recognized in the Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards in 2012. These awards celebrate the best rides in the amusement park industry. Skyrush came in fifth place for "Best New Ride" that year, receiving 6% of the votes.