Do-Dodonpa

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Do-Dodonpa

Do-Dodonpa's loop
Fuji-Q Highland Location Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan Status Operating since 21 December 2001
Statistics
Manufacturer	S&S Worldwide
Type	Steel - Launched
Product	Thrust Air Coaster
Riders per train	8
Propulsion	Compressed air launch
Height	49 metres
Top speed	180 km/h
Length	1244 metres
Inversions	1
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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). It is also the fastest coaster in the world to feature an inversion, a giant 161 foot tall vertical loop.

The control system was provided by Deterministic Systems, Inc.

History

Dodonpa was announced in June 2001. Upon opening on 21 December 2001, 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 2 October 2016 for a major remodel. It reopened on 15 July 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