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Ultimate Rollercoaster > Roller Coasters > Yellowpages > Six Flags Astroworld > XLR-8

XLR-8

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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

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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

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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.

Where to Coast

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See: Six Flags Astroworld

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