Radar was Turbo’s predecessor and was designed and built by Gerald Barber in the late 1960’s, originally premiering as Raven; the prototype was named the Caravel and had similar seating to a paratrooper.
The Radar was essentially two Ferris wheels with both horizontal and vertical movements. Unlike bulkier Turbo cages, the Radar could be folded up on to a single trailer. Furthermore, it was possible to fit up to 4 adult riders on a single Radar seat.
In later years, Radar conversion kits were available for Turbo owners. One of these was semi-converted i.e.. Every second Turbo cage was a Radar seat thus giving two completely different ride sensations on the one structure (depending on rider choice)
There were a total of 5 ever built: 2 Ravens and 3 Radars and with no known operating Radars or Ravens… the rest is history.
Ever ridden or seen one? Please share your comments or contact me if you have photos.
My mom has a video of that! sadly the seats didn’t flip…
Ride enthuist - October 21st, 2009 at 4:37 am
there is a raven forsale on used rides
mike - January 7th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
the raven for dsale belongs to mitchell bros. shows of La. and the great sutton shows had a operable radar until just a few years ago
Dave - February 9th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
i saw a radar at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield MA around 1977
rick - March 12th, 2010 at 5:02 am