Kennywood's Sky Rocket set to launch by end of June

Kennywood has reportedly scheduled a media event to show off its new rollercoaster, Sky Rocket, on June 27, 2010 - suggesting that the ride will open around that date.

The launch coaster, manufactured by Premier Rides, was originally due to open in May but was delayed due to severe weather conditions over the winter. However, the ride now appears to be nearing completion, with the track having been completed in May and Screamscape reporting news of the planned media day.

Sky Rocket will launch riders from 0to 50 miles per hour within three seconds, before they soar round a circuit featuring a 90-degree drop, a barrel roll and a "top hat" inversion. It will stand on the site of the Turnpike attraction which was removed in August.

The coaster is based on a standard design from Premier Rides, but has been re-worked in order to fit into the limited space available at the park. Although Sky Rocket will feature several inversions, it will follow the recent trend of avoiding over-the-shoulder restraints and will instead hold riders in placing using lap bars.

A preview video of Sky Rocket can be found on the Kennywood website.

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