Whirlpool Aero Car facts for kids

The Whirlpool Aero Car, also called the Spanish Aero Car, is a special cable car in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It takes people on an exciting ride high above the Niagara River. From the car, you can see the amazing Niagara Whirlpool below!

This unique cable car was designed by a clever Spanish engineer named Leonardo Torres Quevedo. It first opened way back on August 8, 1916. Since then, it has been updated several times to keep it safe and modern. The system uses one main car that can carry 35 people standing up. The whole trip is about one kilometer long.

How the Aero Car Works

The Aero Car hangs from six strong steel cables. Each cable is about 25 mm (0.98 in) thick. An electric motor, which is 50 horsepower (37 kW) strong, powers the car. It moves at a speed of about 7 km/h (4.3 mph).

• If the power ever goes out, a diesel engine can take over. It uses a hydraulic pump to pull the car safely back to the station.
• There is also a smaller rescue car. This car can hold four passengers and one operator. It has only been used for training so far.

Amazing Views from Above

Even though the Aero Car starts and ends in Canada, it actually crosses the border into the United States four times during its trip! Don't worry, you don't need a passport or special permission to ride it.

• At each end of the ride, the car is about 240 feet (73 m) high above the river.
• In the middle, it's usually around 220 feet (67 m) high. This height can change a little depending on how high the water is below.
• The entire span of the cable car is 1,770 feet (540 m) long.

From the Aero Car, you can see many interesting things:

• The fast-moving rapids entering the whirlpool below. These waters can move at about 35 to 37 km/h (22 to 23 mph)!
• The huge Niagara Whirlpool itself, which is about 60 acres (0.24 km²) big.
• Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls, New York.
• The Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant in Lewiston, New York. This is a big power station that uses the river's water to make electricity.
• You might even spot hikers on nature trails or people fishing along the riverbanks.

The car was originally open, but a roof was added in later designs. This helps protect riders from the weather.

When to Visit

The Aero Car usually runs from the second week of March until the first week of November. It is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It closes during most of the winter because of ice and snow.

The Niagara Whirlpool with an approaching Spanish Aero Car viewed from the south station.

Gallery

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  Sightseers at Niagara Gorge, with Aero Car in distance, c. 1960

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  Whirlpool and Aero Car

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  View of New York State behind Aero Car

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  Whirlpool Rapids viewed from the Aero Car

See also

In Spanish: Spanish Aerocar para niños