Linear induction motor

A LIM launch system on Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags St. Louis

A linear induction motor (LIM) is a form of electro-magnetic propulsion containing no moving parts. This system may replace a traditional lift hill and brakes. Typically LIM systems launch the roller coaster train from the station extremely quickly. They have since been superseded by linear synchronous motor (LSM) technology.

The first use of linear induction motors for launching a train was in 1996 with the opening of Flight of Fear at Kings Island and its clone at Kings Dominion. Unlike prior launched roller coasters, which used a weight drop launch, flywheel launch or electric winch launch, LIM technology requires no mechanical contact between the track and the train, reducing wear and tear.

References

Roller coaster descriptions

Basic elements

Brake runStation

Advanced elements

HillHeadchopperInversionsPre-DropTunnel

Propulsion

Lift hill(CableCatch carChainElectricElevatorFerris wheelFriction wheelSpiral)Powered launch( CounterweightFriction wheelFlywheelCompressed air launchElectric winch launchHydraulicLIMLSM)

Technology

Block brakesOn-ride cameraOn-ride soundtrackTest seat TrainTrackTransfer trackWheel assembly

Other

Chicken exitExclusive ride timePOVQueue lineRollbackTheming