Do-Dodonpa

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Do-Dodonpa
Do-Dodonpa's loop
roller coaster
Fuji-Q Highland Location Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan Status Operating since December 21, 2001
Statistics
Manufacturer	S&S Worldwide
Type	Steel - Launched
Model / product	Thrust Air Coaster
Riders per train	8
Propulsion	Compressed air launch
Height49 metres Top speed180 km/h Length1244 metres Inversions1
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Do-Dodonpa (Japanese: ドドンパ) is an S&S Worldwide launched roller coaster located at Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan. It opened in 2001 and currently has the highest launch acceleration of any coaster in the world at 32.1 ms⁻² (3.27 g).

The control system was provided by Deterministic Systems, Inc.

History

Dodonpa was announced in June 2001. Upon opening, it was the fastest roller coaster in the world with a top speed of 180 km/h, which was reached in 1.8 seconds.

The roller coaster closed on October 2, 2016 for a major remodel. It reopened on July 15, 2017. This overhaul involved replacing the ride's top hat with a large vertical loop. The refurbishment also saw the ride's speed increased to 180 km/h and the ride's acceleration increased to 32.1 ms⁻² (3.27 g).

Name and theme

The name "Dodonpa" comes from the notes used by taiko drummers. In the queue line, you can hear these notes. At launch you hear a voice in Japanese running through a checklist and counting down before the launch. The dialogue occasionally changes, and, to surprise the riders, there is often a "false" countdown and "failed" launch followed by an "accidental" launch.

The ride's name was changed to Do-Dodonpa when it was refurbished.

The four trains are painted with different faces; a "father", "mother", "brother", and "sister". These were later changed to: cheetah, snake, zebra and strawberry. Etymology

Design

Elements
Compressed air launch from 0 - 180 km/h in 1.6 s Tunnel Tunnel 49 metres tall vertical loop Tunnel

Trains

4 trains with 4 cars per train. In each car, riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 8 riders per train.

Photo Gallery

Photographs of the roller coaster prior to its refurbishment in 2016.

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External links

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  Do-Dodonpa on the Roller Coaster DataBase.

Fastest roller coaster December 2001 - May 2003
Preceded by Tower of Terror Superman: The Escape	Fastest roller coaster December 2001 - May 2003	Succeeded by Top Thrill Dragster

Fastest complete-circuit roller coaster December 2001 - May 2003
Preceded by Steel Dragon 2000	Fastest complete-circuit roller coaster December 2001 - May 2003	Succeeded by Top Thrill Dragster