Cheetah Hunt, Bush Gardens, Tampa

End of May 2011, Intamin’s newest LSM Launch Coaster opened to the public at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, USA. The coaster is named “Cheetah Hunt” and features the latest launch coaster technology available using Intamin’s state-of-the-art linear synchronous motors. The spectacular initial launch out of the station is followed by a second launch section, where the trains accelerate to a speed of 96 km/h (60 mph). After those two launches the trains shaped like a cheetah soar 31 meters (102 feet) over the park on an iconic Serengeti tree structure. Inspired by the sprint of the cheetah across the grasslands after its prey, Cheetah Hunt then brings its passengers down into trenches, around a rocky canyon rushing with whitewater currents, and through a heartline roll inversion. Besides a number of changes in direction the spectacular layout also features a lot of air-time experiences for the passengers. The 3 launches using state-of-the-art LSM technologies to accelerate riders to the desired speeds, the exciting layout and a 40 meters (130 feet) drop into an underground trench make Cheetah Hunt a very unique roller coaster. With a total of 5 trains for 16 passengers each a total capacity of 1,300 passengers/hour is possible. The approximately 2 minute ride time from the first launch to the final brake and its 1,350 meters (4,429 feet) of steel track, this LSM Launch Coaster holds the record as Busch Gardens' and Florida’s longest coaster.