Operation of the
flywheel launch system (text)
Note: This info has been found to be not 100% accurate
To view the
operation of the launch mechanism download one or both of the videos below.
Reposting of these videos is strictly prohibited.
Panoramic view of the
launch system (5.4MB MPG)
View of clutch
engaging during a launch (5.4MB MPG)
As you watch the Panoramic
video, here is what you are seeing, from start, to finish:
The Green item first seen is the motor. This replaced the belt driven system and
enables a faster speed recovery for the launch.
The rust and black item is a coupler. This couples the motor to the flywheel.
The blue item is a pedalster bearing. Think of it as ball bearings.
The Fly wheel.
Another pedalster bearing.
Larger couplers, couples the flywheel to the gearbox.
The gearbox and oil pump.
Another coupler.
Yet another pedalster bearing.
Pneumatic clutches to the right, in front of the clutch is an air cooler.
Bullwheel (If you look closely at the bullwheel you will see the cable, the
black parts on the side of the cable is the bullwheel lining. It is basically a
hardened rubber so the bullwheel grip the cable better. If the launch it to
rapid, the bullwheel lining wears more rapidly and it take several day to
replace since cranes are used. This is why the flywheel room has a convertible
hardtop roof.
Pneumatic clutches to the right, in front of the clutch is an air cooler.
Pedalster bearing - ball bearings.
Tachogenerator - tells the Allen-Bradly automation how fast the cable is moving
during the launch.
Note: These videos are also mirrored
at one of our sister sites
sixflagshouston.com
