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KMG first XLR8 makes its debut in The Netherlands
Update : 18/04/12 - 19h48Published by François Mayné the 17 April 2012, New.
The Dutch manufacturer KMG, specialized in the design and production of amusement rides for fun fairs, has delivered its first XLR8 ride to a Dutch showman, Jarno Otten. The prototype welcomed its first passengers on April 5 in Drachten, The Netherlands. “The owner was very satisfied after the Easter weekend and said that the ride worked very well considering the low numbers of visitors that came to the fair due to the bad weather. Riders enjoyed XLR8 a lot.” stated Peter Theunisz, Sales Manager of KMG.
“XLR8 is the KMG’s fastest ride ever created and is a true experience of G-Forces” stated Peter Theunisz. The ride consists of a central magnetically driven motor and 8 arms after which gondolas are installed for two passengers equipped with over-the-shoulder restraints. When the ride starts, the arms make a circular motion at a maximal speed of 65 km/h (about 40.4 mph) up to 5 or 6 times per cycle. Passengers are thus pushed into the seats while each gondolas is moving horizontally with the G-Forces. Peter Theunisz adds “XLR8 goes so fast that it only takes half a rotation to go at its maximum speed and another half rotation to stop. Passengers are more or less like astronauts training in a centrifuge!”
According to KMG, XLR8 is the very first transportable amusement ride to have a self controled rechargeable power system, which is a great innovation for the industry. During decelerations, the returned energy will be stored in supercapacitors in order to be used when needed by the following accelerations. With this system, XLR8 can be connected to a 63 Amps power source (80 Amps with the LED lights) instead of 400 Amps. Peter Theunisz explains “XLR8 can use its own generated power and the LED lighting package also offers great economical and environmental benefits. This is the world’s first green amusement ride!”
Click-here to see a video of the ride being tested at the factory.
Technical specifications
Diameter : 14,5 x 16,5 meters (about 47.5 x 54 feet)
Speed : maximum 65 km/h (about 40.4 mph)
Acceleration : maximum 4 G
Weight : 20 tons (40.000 pounds)
Capacity : 960 riders per hour (8 seats of 2 passengers)
Minimum height : 122 cm (about 4 feet)
One semi-trailer / Easy set-up
A fixed model for amusement parks is available
XLR8 will be present at one of the biggest fun fair in The Netherlands in the city of Rotterdam from 21th April to May 3. KMG already reported that some interested buyers will visit the fair to have a look and test the new ride. A brochure will also be soon available online on KMG's website.
After Mission Space that was introduced in 2011 and XLR8, KMG is currently working on another ride innovation called Sicko which will be delivered in the coming months. For more information, read our previous article (see below).
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