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XLR-8

Six Flags Astroworld

When it opened in 1984, XLR-8 became the world's first successful suspended roller coaster. XLR-8 was a second generation suspended coaster from Arrow Dynamics. The first generation suspended coaster, The Bat at Paramount's Kings Island, was built a few years earlier, but failed due to design flaws. XLR-8 sends riders seated in cars hanging from the steel track through a series of dives and swooping turns which send the cars swinging in each direction.

XLR-8 Details

Year	Track	Type	Designer
1984	Steel	Suspended Freeform	Arrow Dynamics

Roller Coaster Stats

Height: 81 feet	Drop: 52 feet
Top Speed: 45 mph	Length: 2,990 feet
Trains: 2 - 28 passenger	Ride Time: 3 minutes

More Facts About XLR-8

October 2002 - The last four cars of the train were reversed in direction so riders could ride facing backwards.

October 30, 2005 - XLR-8 ends its run at Six Flags Astroworld when the park closes its gates forever.

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See: Six Flags Astroworld

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