Speed of Sound (roller coaster) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Speed of Sound |
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| Previously known as La Via Volta | |
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| Walibi Holland | |
| Location | Walibi Holland |
| Park section | W.A.B Plaza |
| Coordinates | 52°26′26″N 5°46′05″E / 52.440630°N 5.768123°E |
| Status | operating |
| Opening date | 2011 |
| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel – Shuttle – Boomerang |
| Manufacturer | Vekoma |
| Designer | Vekoma |
| Model | Boomerang |
| Lift/launch system | Chain Lift Hill |
| Height | 116.5 ft (35.5 m) |
| Length | 935 ft (285 m) |
| Speed | 47 mph (76 km/h) |
| Inversions | 3 inversions. Each completed both forwards and backwards. |
| Duration | 1:48 |
| Max vertical angle | 56° |
| Capacity | 760 riders per hour |
| G-force | 5.2 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | Single train with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train. |
| Speed of Sound at RCDB | |
Speed of Sound is an exciting roller coaster located at Walibi Holland in the Netherlands. It is a special type of ride known as a Boomerang coaster. This means it takes you forwards, then sends you zooming backwards along the same track!
The ride was built by a company called Vekoma. It's known for its bright orange track and a unique tunnel.
Contents
What is a Boomerang Coaster?
A Boomerang coaster is a thrilling type of roller coaster. It gets its name because it sends riders on a journey that comes right back to where it started. You go forward, then backward!
How Speed of Sound Works
First, the train is pulled up a tall hill backwards. This is done by a chain lift. Once at the top, it is released.
The train then rushes down the hill. It speeds through the station. Next, it goes through a loop and a special twist. After that, it climbs another hill.
Once it reaches the top of the second hill, the train stops. Then, it rolls all the way back! You experience the same loops and twists, but this time going backwards. It's like riding the coaster twice in one go!
Speed of Sound has three inversions. An inversion is when the track turns you upside down. You go through these three inversions both forwards and backwards.
History of Speed of Sound
This roller coaster first opened in 2000. Back then, it had a different name: La Via Volta. It was a popular ride for several years.
In 2007, the park decided to close La Via Volta. The train from the ride was sold. It went to another park called Pleasurewood Hills. There, it was used on another Boomerang coaster named Wipeout.
A New Beginning
On January 30, 2011, Walibi Holland made an exciting announcement. They said the roller coaster would reopen! It was given a new look and a new name.
The coaster was renamed Speed of Sound. Its track was painted a vibrant orange color. It also received a brand new train from Vekoma. This new train has special features.
Unique Features of the Ride
Speed of Sound has a cool feature that makes it stand out. As the train is pulled up the first lift hill, it goes through a unique tunnel. This tunnel adds to the excitement right before the ride begins.
The ride lasts about 1 minute and 48 seconds. It reaches a top speed of 47 miles per hour. The highest point of the ride is about 116.5 feet tall.
