The Ranger (AKA: Kamikaze) first made its debut in 1984, manufactured by Far Fabbri & Sartori, based off ride movements previously found on the Eyerly Loop-O-plane. Since this time there have been over 150 units sold worldwide. Similar copies have been made by A.R.M (The Skymaster), Topfun, Meisho, Mondial and Vekoma .
The ride’s relative compactness (1 x 40ft trailer), high capacity (36 adults), dominant look (17.6m length / 18.4m height) and easy setup (4 hours with two workers) makes it a very appealing purchase for any travelling carnival owner.
Unlike the HUSS Ranger, or Rainbow, the Far Fabbri Kamikaze does not rely on heavy counterweights, but rather, a very highly geared drive system. This makes for a very fast upside-down, pendulum motion swing at speeds of 13 RPM, relying less on drive power, and more on momentum to keep it swinging. In more recent units, Fabbri have increased the length of the upper arm on which the counterweights are attached thereby creating a slower ride with less drive requirements.
The rider experience gives feelings of seat-pining centrifugal force and head-rushing, blood-filling, upside-down moments varying in length, depending on the mood of the operator.
There are currently 3 Kamikazes, and 2 Rangers travelling Australia.
