DESCRIPTION:
Thunderbird is the nation’s first launched wing coaster. It is Holiday World’s first major steel roller coaster, with a 0-60mph launch in 3.5 seconds, followed by multiple inversions – including a 14-story Immelmann loop, Zero-g roll, barrel roll, and loop. Continuing Holiday World’s tradition of sending roller coasters through thickly wooded and hilly terrain, Thunderbird at first soars and loops high in the air and then hugs the ground, surprising riders with rapid-fire “near misses” such as keyholes, themed elements, other rides, trees, and even the ground.
TRACK LENGTH: 3,035 feet
RIDE HEIGHT: 140 feet at Immelmann loop’s peak
RIDE ELEMENTS:
From start to finish:
Launch, using LSM technology
Immelmann loop
Loop
Horseshoe
Elevated Spiral
Zero-G roll
S curve
2 “headchopper” keyholes
Carousel
360 in-line twist (barrel roll)
2 Crossovers with The Voyage
SPEED: Thunderbird’s top speed is 60 miles per hour
RIDE TIME: 1 minute, 18 seconds (station to station)
RIDE VIDEO:
http://HolidayWorld2015.com
TRAINS: Two trains, each with five four-person coaches
CAPACITY: 1,140 Guests per hour
HEIGHT LIMIT: Riders must be at least 52 inches tall
INVESTMENT: $22 million
RIDE DESIGNER: Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), Switzerland
LEGEND: In 1620, as the Mayflower neared the end of its 66 days at sea, a mighty storm nearly capsized the ship, taking it hundreds of miles off course. As passengers and crew feared all was lost, an immense bird appeared in the sky. The thunderbird, whose wings created the thunder and eyes flashed the lightning of the powerful storm, rescued the ship by launching it through the sky to the New World.