The Enterprise was perhaps the most ground-breaking ride ever for it’s time, setting a standard for a whole generation of amusement rides on its debut in 1972. The Schwartzkopf Enterprise had an overall look and engineering technology that was ahead of its time.
The common HUSS Enterprise is, in actual fact, a copy from Schwartzkopf who manufactured some 20 rides. Shortly thereafter, HUSS produced their own superior copy (larger capacity, with a hydraulic arm, not electro-mechanical) and patented their design. HUSS has since sold countless copies of the Enterprise worldwide. As a result of Enterprise’s success, a larger version was also made by HUSS called Sky Lab containing fifteen four-person gondolas. Some years later, another stand-up variation was released by HUSS, the UFO.
The Enterprise consists of 20 gondolas, each fitting 2 people - one sitting behind the other. The ride then rotates clockwise gaining just enough speed to keep its riders perfectly in place with centrifugal force. The main arm then slowly lifts to 87° smoothly hurling the riders upside down. The ride may look rather repeatitve and nauseating but the ride sensation is MUCH different making for a very enjoyable, ultra-smooth ride.
Through very clever engineering there are no safety harnesses other than the grab-bars on the car walls, due to the centrifugal force making gravity and body weight are just about equal - this creates a feeling of weightlessness while also ensuring you stay on your seat.
There are approximately 23 HUSS Enterprise units in North America, at least 20 in Europe and 4 in Australia, one of which is a travelling road model, the other two belonging to Luna Park Melbourne, Dreamworld and another under refurbishment.
