The Kamikaze is a Thrilling Amusement Ride composed of a central tower with two parallel arms on each side. Each arm boasts a caged gondola that holds 16 passengers with a counterweight on the other end. An electronically controlled DC motor drives the two arms in opposite circular directions perpendicular with the ground at a maximum speed of 10rpm.
The drive motor operates the two arms via a double output gearbox connected to a right angle gearbox and drive shaft. On the output side of the right angle gearbox is a pinion gear which drives the ring gear attached to the arms. The ride is designed to use the force of gravity to assist in the rotation. This requires the operator to rock the vehicle and arm in each direction until enough momentum has developed to allow a complete revolution. Please Note: It is not possible to make a complete rotation from the loading position! The slowing and breaking of the ride is done by applying a reverse polarity to the DC motor and the ride is held in the loading position by a magnetic brake located at the end of the DC motor.
Passengers are restrained by a shoulder harness as well as a secondary locking bar across their laps. Compressed air is used to actuate the shoulder harness, with a fail-safe mechanism which engages the shoulder harness in the event of power failure. The loss of compressed air also causes the shoulder harnesses to engage. In addition, the gondola’s sides and roof are made up of closely spaced metal bars, allowing riders to see the world outside, while preventing anyone from falling out while the ride is in motion.
The Kamikaze is designed for maximum thrills and safety. All components are designed and tested for life long dependability however, as with any piece of sophisticated equipment, it is necessary that proper maintenance and operational procedures are followed which we do religiously to ensure your safety.
With that said, the Kamikaze is a compact ride that is loaded on a single 14m trailer and can be assembled or disassembled in less than five hours by two trained workers.