Air power gives riders a thrill at amusement park

Monday, 24 July 2006

Whoosh. Whoosh. The sound, accompanied by a high-pitched shriek as cables move rapidly upon a cable loop system, is somewhat reminiscent of that made by a windmill's blades as they slice through the air. No power is generated, however — this sound is the definition of power consumption, as two giant arms swing thrill-seekers high into the air through the use of huge pneumatic cylinders.

Read more about the pneumatic system powering Skyhawk from Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine