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Drop Towers

Interstellar UFO

The Interstellar UFO is a 52m drop tower with rotating and spinning seats for 50 riders. It suits parks seeking a high-capacity thrill ride with a compact footprint.

Ride typeFlying tower rotating swing series
Ride height52 m
Run height38 m

Specifications

Figures below are the design values for this model. Site-specific engineering is confirmed per project.

Ride typeFlying tower rotating swing series
Ride height52 m
Run height38 m
FootprintØ28.4 m
Swing diameter18.3 m
Max cabin swing angle33.1°
Rotation speed6.2 r/min
Spin speed17.6 r/min
Number of cabins25
Total riders50

Engineering & Craftsmanship

Overview

The Interstellar UFO is a drop tower from the flying tower rotating swing series. It lifts 50 riders to a run height of 38 m while the main arm rotates and each cabin spins. The combination of vertical travel and dual rotation creates a dynamic ride experience. The 200-second cycle and 50-rider capacity make it suitable for parks with high throughput targets.

Design and build

The structure consists of a central tower with auxiliary supports for stability. A safety rack and speed governor provide anti-fall protection. The rotating system uses separate drives for main rotation and cabin spin, both controlled by variable frequency drives. Cabins are linked to limit swing to 33.1°. The lift system uses a counterweight and multiple wire ropes for balanced movement. All safety circuits use redundant switches at key positions.

Site and installation

The ride requires a circular footprint of Ø28.4 m. The 52 m height and 38 m run height influence local planning and clearance requirements. Foundation design depends on site soil conditions and local codes; detailed engineering is provided per project. Installation follows a structured plan with pre-assembly checks. The ride is designed to the standards required by your market, confirmed per project.

Operating notes

Operation can be automatic or manual via the PLC control system. Automatic mode enforces a sequence: restraints locked, cabin in home position, and staff confirmation before dispatch. The ride accelerates, rotates while lifting, pauses at the top, then descends with controlled deceleration. Multiple limit switches and encoders monitor speed and position. Daily checks include restraint locks, limit switches, and brake status. Training for operators and maintenance staff is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

The questions park developers ask most about this ride — answered without the sales language.

01What is the maximum rider capacity per cycle?

The Interstellar UFO carries 50 riders per cycle in 25 cabins, with two riders per cabin. The cycle time is 200 seconds, including loading and unloading. This capacity suits parks with moderate to high attendance.

02What is the required footprint for installation?

The ride has a circular footprint of Ø28.4 m. This dimension covers the rotating structure and swing diameter. Site planning should also account for queue lines, exit paths, and maintenance access around the perimeter.

03How is safety ensured during operation?

The ride includes multiple safety systems: an anti-fall device with safety rack and speed governor, redundant limit switches, and encoder-based overspeed protection. The PLC control system enforces automatic sequences and monitors brake status. All safety functions are designed to the standards required by your market, confirmed per project.

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Certificates & manufacturing

The same factory, quality process and certification documents stand behind every ride below — reviewed once here rather than repeated on each product page.

01Compliance

Manufacturing and quality control

  • Standards scoped per market

    Design basis agreed against the standards your market requires, confirmed per project

  • Long design service life

    Structure designed for a 20-year service life, stated in the contract for each project

  • Full-Process NDT Inspection

    Rigorous non-destructive testing at every production stage

02Core Technology

Cable wheel structure

  • Corrosion protection

    Advanced surface treatment for extreme environments

  • Optimized Mechanical Performance

    Lightweight yet high-strength for wind resistance

  • Construction & Aesthetic Dual Advantage

    Faster installation with premium visual finish

  • Quick-Release Fault Mechanism

    Integrated emergency release system for minimal downtime

03Hardware

Landmark-Grade Specifications

  • 90m Ultra-High Landmark Scale

    Iconic skyline-defining structures

  • High Passenger Throughput

    Maximum revenue efficiency with large cabin capacity

  • All-Climate Comfort

    Thermostatic cabins for year-round comfortable riding

  • Redundant Multi-Motor Drive

    Multi-motor configuration for fault tolerance

  • Compact Footprint Planning

    Space-efficient layout for flexible site integration

04Safety

Multi-Layer Safety Protection

Every ZhipaoRides product is engineered with redundant, fail-safe systems that meet or exceed international amusement ride safety standards. From electrical interlocks to structural redundancy, we leave nothing to chance.

  • Mandatory Safety Interlock

    Forced electrical interlocking prevents any unauthorized or unsafe startup. The system requires all safety conditions to be met before operation can begin, eliminating human-error risks.

  • Triple-Layer Cabin Door Protection

    Three independent door opening safeguards — mechanical lock, electrical sensor, and control system verification — eliminate passenger entrapment risk under all operating conditions.

  • Redundant Braking System

    Dual independent braking mechanisms with fail-safe engagement ensure controlled deceleration even in the event of primary system failure, meeting Class A ride standards.

  • Real-Time Condition Monitoring

    Continuous sensor-based monitoring of vibration, temperature, and load distribution provides instant anomaly detection and automatic shutdown when parameters exceed safe thresholds.

  • Emergency Evacuation System

    Integrated auxiliary drive and manual release mechanisms enable safe passenger evacuation from any position, including during power outages or extreme weather conditions.

  • Full-Life NDT Quality Control

    Non-destructive testing at every production stage — from raw material to final assembly — ensures structural integrity backed by 25-year design life certification.

Our safety systems undergo rigorous third-party testing and certification to meet or exceed GB 8408 (Chinese national standard) and EN 13814 (European standard) requirements. Each ride is equipped with multiple redundant safety mechanisms, ensuring passenger protection at all times. From the factory floor to the final installation site, our engineering team conducts comprehensive safety audits, load tests, and operational simulations before any ride enters service.