"You’ve volunteered to take part in a science experiment based on Dr. Bruce Banner’s research—but a blast of gamma radiation changes everything. You launch up to 67 miles per hour as Hulk-like power propels you upside down into a zero-gravity roll, racing faster and faster. Hang on as this high-speed, red-line rampage smashes its way through the sky."
Opening in Islands of Adventure with the park on May 28th 1999, Incredible Hulk Coaster was a thrilling attraction that amazed riders and became a classic in the park ever since.
Powerful Launch
Every roller coaster launch has unique features; some include an angled launch, LSM motor launches, and even wheel launches. Universal partnered with B&M coasters inc to create a unique track wheel launch that would propel each train up to 40 mph in under 2 seconds consistently. Each train contains a large metal rod that runs from the beginning of the cart to the end. Hundreds of wheels along the angled track grip this rod and with induced power from large motors launch the trains to 67 mph at the top of the tunnel.
Creating the Power
Generating enough power to launch a cart 67 mph every minute and a half is no easy task. The city of Orlando would not allow Universal to draw enough power needed to create this consistent launch so Universal creatives came up with the solution. Special generators costing around 40 million each were created by sourcing a consistent small amount of power and storing it to be released all at once every minute. This allowed Universal to draw a reasonable amount of power and still create the powerful launch that it is today.
The Hulk ROAR
The sound of the Hulk roar is a BIG deal. Universal creatives wanted to replicate this iconic sound on the coaster that could be heard from anywhere in the park. The solution is similar to putting a water-bottle in a bike tire to sound like a motorcycle. Universal creatives engineered a little metal spike located on the trains that hang down in the center and lightly tap the spokes of the track. This creates a roaring sound when the train moves quickly similar to the ROAR of the hulk and can be heard from miles away. The coaster with all of these small details cost an estimated 100-350 million dollars to build.
Renovations and thoughts
Incredible Hulk Coaster went under an 11-month track, lighting, and train renovation which improved rider comfort, added additional lighting features, ride story, and improved track durability in 2016. Unfortunately many riders were disappointed as they were unable to ride it for this period of time but were excited for the new changes. Overall, I think this ride is an incredible thrilling coaster that provides an interesting story paired with excitement till the very end. Definitely worth riding if you visit Universal Orlando.
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