Accelerator (roller coaster)

Accelerator
Previously known as Ben 10 – Ultimate Mission (2011–2016) [1]
Drayton Manor Resort
LocationDrayton Manor Resort
Park sectionFrontier Falls
Coordinates52°36′39″N 1°42′48″W / 52.610795°N 1.713390°W / 52.610795; -1.713390
StatusOperating
Opening date21 April 2011 (2011-04-21)
Cost£2,100,000
General statistics
TypeSteel – Shuttle
ManufacturerVekoma
DesignerMeticulous ltd
ModelFamily Boomerang
Lift/launch systemBooster Wheel Lift Hill
Height20 m (66 ft)
Length180 m (590 ft)
Speed60 km/h (37 mph)
Inversions0
Capacity750 riders per hour
G-force3
Height restriction100 cm (3 ft 3 in)
Fast Pass & Easy Pass available
Accelerator at RCDB

Accelerator (formerly known as Ben 10 – Ultimate Mission) is a steel shuttle roller coaster located at Drayton Manor Resort. Manufactured by Vekoma, the attraction serves as the prototype for the "Family Boomerang" model.

Description

As a shuttle coaster, Accelerator operates on a non-circuit layout where the train travels both forward and backward. The ride sequence begins with a tire-propelled lift hill that elevates the train before releasing it into a descending "figure-eight" course.[2]

Upon completing the forward portion of the track, the train ascends a secondary vertical spike, or "dead-end" tower, which features a distinct hump to provide a brief sensation of weightlessness. Once the train reaches its maximum height on the spike, gravity pulls the vehicle backward, forcing it to navigate the entire figure-eight layout in reverse before being brought to a controlled stop within the station.

History

Following its official announcement in 2010, the attraction opened to the public on April 21, 2011, as the center-piece of a new themed area at Drayton Manor. Originally operating under a licensing agreement with Cartoon Network as Ben 10 – Ultimate Mission, the roller coaster was rebranded as Accelerator in 2016 following the conclusion of the sponsorship. In 2024, the ride underwent a further aesthetic update to integrate with the resort's newly developed Frontier Falls area.[3][1][1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Marden, Duane. "Ben 10 - Ultimate Mission (Drayton Manor)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  2. ^ "Family Boomerang". Vekoma Rides. Retrieved 5 April 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  3. ^ "Project Press Release". G-Force Magazine. 2010. Archived from the original on 2012-03-13. Retrieved 2010-12-15.