Shockwave was a large roller coaster manufactured by Arrow Dynamics at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Standing 170 feet (52 m) tall and reaching speeds of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h), it opened in 1988 as the world's tallest and fastest looping roller coaster with an impressive seven inversions: three vertical loops, a butterfly corkscrew, and two regular corkscrews. The seven inversions also set a world record; the previous record...
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Shockwave was a large roller coaster manufactured by Arrow Dynamics at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Standing 170 feet (52 m) tall and reaching speeds of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h), it opened in 1988 as the world's tallest and fastest looping roller coaster with an impressive seven inversions: three vertical loops, a butterfly corkscrew, and two regular corkscrews. The seven inversions also set a world record; the previous record was six on Vortex at Kings Island, which had opened the year before.
Shockwave was plagued with some operational issues throughout its lifetime. Due to the speed and stress of the first vertical loop a track fracture developed and needed attention on a regular basis in order to remain safe for operation. The wheels for the ride were quite expensive and, according to some ride operators, wore out quickly which required a vigilant crew and frequent closures for a period of ten to fifteen minutes for maintenance staff to be dispatched to change...
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