| Watch the on-ride POV |
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| Do-Dodonpa's vertical loop | |||||||||||
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| Statistics | |||||||||||
| Manufacturer | S&S Worldwide | ||||||||||
| Product | Thrust Air Coaster | ||||||||||
| Type | Steel - Launched | ||||||||||
| Riders per train | 8 | ||||||||||
| Propulsion | Compressed air launch | ||||||||||
| Height | 49 metres | ||||||||||
| Top speed | 180 km/h | ||||||||||
| Length | 1244 metres | ||||||||||
| Inversions | 1 | ||||||||||
Do-Dodonpa (Japanese: ド・ドドンパ), previously Dodonpa, is an S&S Worldwide launched roller coaster located at Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan. It opened in 2001 and had the highest launch acceleration of any coaster in the world at 32.1 ms−2 (3.27 g). It was also the fastest coaster in the world to feature an inversion, a 49 metres tall vertical loop (formerly a top hat).
The control system was provided by Deterministic Systems, Inc.
History
Dodonpa was announced in June 2001.[1] 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). The name was changed from Dodonpa to Do-Dodonpa.
On 12 August 2021, Do-Dodonpa was closed indefinitely for safety investigations following riders suffering fractured bones.[2][3]
On 13 March 2024, Fuji-Q Highland announced that Do-Dodonpa would not be reopening and would be removed,[4][5] though currently most of the coaster remains standing.
Etymology
The name "Dodonpa" came from the notes used by taiko drummers. In the queue line, guests could hear these notes. At launch, they 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 in 2017.
Design
| Elements |
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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.
Images
Photographs of the roller coaster prior to its refurbishment in 2016.
References
- ↑ World's Fastest Roller Coaster Coming To Japan - Ultimate Rollercoaster
- ↑ "ド・ドドンパの安全総点検の実施による運休について". Fuji-Q Highland. 2021-08-20. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
- ↑ Anders, Caroline (2021-08-25). "The world's fastest-accelerating roller coaster is shut down after riders report fractured bones". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2021-11-11.
- ↑ "Fuji-Q Highland to Close Do-Dodonpa, Fastest Roller Coaster in the Industry; Enjoyed by 9.3 Million People Since Opening in 2001".
- ↑ "ド・ドドンパ 営業終了のお知らせ".
External links
- 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 |