Do-Dodonpa
Click here to watch the on-ride POV |
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Do-Dodonpa's loop | |||||||
roller coaster | |||||||
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Manufacturer | S&S Worldwide | ||||||
Type | Steel - Launched | ||||||
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). 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[edit | edit source]
Dodonpa was announced in June 2001.[1] 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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Elements |
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Trains[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Photographs of the roller coaster prior to its refurbishment in 2016.
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
- 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 |
Fuji-Q Highland | Articles on|||||||||
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Present | Do-Dodonpa • Eejanaika • Fujiyama • Fuwa Fuwa Osora No Dai-Bouken • Rock 'N Roll Duncan • Takabisha • unknown | ||||||||
Former | Double Loop • Giant Coaster • Moonsault Scramble • Zola 7 • Mad Mouse |