Impulse (roller coaster)

Impulse is a steel roller coaster located at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. It is manufactured by Zierer and is the first major steel coaster located at Knoebels since Whirlwind which closed in 2004.[1]

Impulse
Impulse
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Location	Knoebels Amusement Resort
Coordinates	40.879784°N 76.501762°W / 40.879784; -76.501762
Status	Operating
Opening date	April 25, 2015
Cost	$ 8 million
General statistics
Type	Steel
Manufacturer	Zierer
Model	Tower Speed Coaster
Height	98 ft (30 m)
Speed	55 mph (89 km/h)
Inversions	4
Duration	1:10
Max vertical angle	90°
Capacity	480 riders per hour riders per hour
G-force	4.2
Height restriction	48 in (122 cm)
Impulse at RCDB Pictures of Impulse at RCDB

Riders are restrained by a lap bar only which comes across the legs and the waist. The ride features small, 8 passenger trains, resulting in a low capacity.

The ride starts off by rounding a bend and then climbing the 98 ft (30m) lift hill. The train then proceeds to go straight down and into the first inversion, a cobra roll. The train then goes into a vertical loop followed by a series of twists and turns around the vertical lift hill until it enters the final inversion, a zero g roll. The train then goes into a short, but intense, helix before the brake run and into the station. The complete ride is one minute and twenty seconds.

Riders can also purchase a photograph of themselves on the roller coaster after the ride is through.

History

Impulse seen from Ferris Wheel

Impulse

The park was looking for a new roller coaster since 2004 when Whirlwind (now Bocaraca) was closed and shipped to Parque de Diversiones in Costa Rica and with push by park visitors for a new roller coaster.[2] So the park enlisted the help of Zierer Rides a German coaster builder for the design. The actual design of the ride didn't start until 2009. Due to the Financial crisis of 2007–2008, Construction of the parts began in July 2013 and was assembled at the park in late February 2015 and construction being complete by April 2015.

Impulse replaced the Bumper Boats ride, which was purchased from Rocky Glen Park in Moosic, Pennsylvania in the 1980s.

Elements

Main article: Roller coaster elements

• Vertical Lift Hill[3]
• Cobra Roll[3]
• Loop[3]
• Inline Twist[3]
• 540° Helix[3]

References

1. "Impulse (PA) ride review and facts". theme park insider. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
2. "Impulse Roller Coaster". May 11, 2016.
3. "Impulse Roller Coaster (Pennsylvania) Elements". RCDB.com. Retrieved February 22, 2016.