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A launch track serves the same basic purpose as a Lift Hill - providing power to the train - but accomplishes it in an entirely different manner. A lift hill gives the train Potential Energy by raising it to the highest point in the track (and not significantly accelerating it). A launch track gives the train Kinetic Energy by accelerating it to the maximum designed speed (while not significantly raising it). A launch track normally includes some form of Brakes . Depending on the type of coaster, these brakes may be used in every run of the coaster (this is normally found on a Shuttle Roller Coaster where the launch track also serves as the main Brake Run ) or they may only come into play when a Rollback occurs, normally on a complete-circuit coaster such as Kingda Ka . In either case, the brakes are retracted to allow trains to launch, and are engaged at all other times. TYPES OF LAUNCH TRACKS LIM/LSM LIM/LSM launch tracks have many (often more than 200) Linear Motor s on both sides of the launch track. the train on this type of coaster has metal fins mounted to its sides to facilitate launching. Hydraulic A hydraulic launch track has a trough running along its center, a "catch car" that connects to the train for launching travels through this trough. The catch car is connected to a Cable loop that runs along the entire length of the launch track, anchored by a pulley wheel at the near end of the track and by the launch motor itself at the far end. The launch motor is located in a small building under the end of the launch track. Only about 2/3 of the length of this type of launch track can be used for launching the train, as the catch car must be stopped after it disengages from the train. Friction Wheel A friction wheel launch consists of a series of high speed Drive Tires used in succession to propel the train forward. An example of a friction wheel launch is the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal's Islands Of Adventure . The train begins to climb the Lift Hill at a normal speed, and begins to accelerate half-way up the hill. Flywheel Many Shuttle Loop roller coasters have a Flywheel launch mechanism. Rotational energy is stored in the flywheel, which then catches on a cable attached to the train. The flywheel releases its energy to propel the train forward. {Link without Title} Counterweight Counterweight launch mechanisms are used on some shuttle loops. The trains are launched by dropping a large counterweight attached to a cable. The cable then drives the train forward. {Link without Title} |
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