Kamikaze (Divine wind) was a squad of Japanese suicide fighter planes used in World War II. The pilots were trained to cause suicidal crashes, causing collateral damage. The word has now come to be used when referring to intentional suicides.
Republican Kamikaze ride
A recent article by blogger Joe Klein was titled ‘Republican Kamikaze ride’, criticizing the ways of the Republican Party, possibly to denote the ‘suicidal’ act of the GOP (Grand Old Party).
Kamikaze Thrill rides
Kamikaze (Ranger) is a truly scary yet a must-try amusement thrill ride. The ride consists of two arms each holding a metal riding car (gondolas) at its end, which is completely enclosed. There are rows of seats each fitted with safety gears and locks to secure you to your seat.
The ride begins by oscillating the arms, both going the opposite way to balance weight. As the ride proceeds, the caged gondola goes totally upside down, stays there for few frightening seconds before swinging back and forth to continue the ride. You would want to scream your life off, but you’d be so awed that you lose your voice for some time!
Major Features of Kamikaze Ride
- 2 caged gondolas loaded simultaneously, present one at each opposite arm. Capacity: 32 each
- Ride duration is 1.5 min
- A force of 2.5 Gs (2 times the force produced on an idle object) is created during the ride
- A maximum speed of 14 rpm (rotations per min) is achieved
- Assembling time: Less than 5 hours; requires skilled operators
- Maximum thrill guaranteed!
Safety concerns with Kamikaze Ride
- You need to be at least 122 cm to ride so that you don’t slip out of the gondola when it goes upside down. The deaths and accidents reported so far have been due to the height factor only. Otherwise it is a perfectly safe ride for adults.
- People with high blood pressure, above 50 years of age and pregnant women are completely banned from this ride due to its dramatics.
- This ride can make some people sick to their stomach. So watch out if you have a weak stomach.
Variants of Kamikaze Ride
Right after its invention in 1984, many variants of the Kamikaze have come about. Eg: Sky Flyer, Footloose, Hawk 48. Here the riders dangle from their feet.
If you have the guts (and the stomach and the height!) come on and feel the mind blowing gush of the killer Divine wind, Kamikaze!