Hurricane

The Hurricane was first manufactured from 1972 till 1991 by Frank Hrubrtz & Co (USA) based on the more primitive 1948 design of the Saturn 6. From 1992, Dartron Industries (USA) took over as the Hurricane’s sole manufacturer. There were however, some 5 units manufactured in Australia under license in the 1970’s by Kevin Ferarri and Lenmax

A carnival is not complete without the familiar scene of the ride’s cars sweeping over the heads of passersby, with the loud bursts of compressed air that go hand-in-hand to the classic hurricane ride.

The ride consists of 6 arms, each carrying 4 people, which undergo a fast rotation combined with a continual series of fast-paced, stomach-wrenching bounces. This gives riders of all ages a fun, action-packed ride as the bouncing arms expose the rider to varied speeds and centrifugal forces, as well as feelings of weightlessness.

Underneath the centre-post is a giant compressed air cylinder that is connected at the top to the ride’s 6 arms. At the completion of each bounce, the operator presses a button that releases the air in the cylinder, causing the arms to fall again. Similar technology is used in HUSS’s Jump! & FreeFall rides.

Dartron has since released two variations of the Hurricane. Downdraft using a more suspended seating configuration, and a yet to be named design which faces riders outwards. Both rides fold up on a single trailer.

There are between 8 to 12 Hurricanes in Australia, with never-ceasing popularity amongst the young and old. Since the whole ride racks up on a single trailer, and can be set up in around 2 hours, they are popular investments for amusement operators.

688x816 121KB	The Saturn 6 is a rarity now days, with the latter Hurricane design superceding it. Notice that the cars do not hinge with the angle of the arms.
1200x800 563KB	A Dartron Downdraft at Knobel's amusement park, USA. Photo courtesy of Joe Schwartz
1200x798 430KB	Dragon City's Hurricane at Melton, 2007. This unit was built in Australia and has recently been brought back from New Zealand.
1183x788 298KB	Joyland's Hurricane at Sydney's Luna Park, 2006. This unit was manufactured in Australia under license.