gyro swing Archives - Intamin Amusement Rides

Luc Richard
22. May 2026

“Aviktas” – The UK’s tallest Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach

“Aviktas” – The UK’s tallest Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach https://www.intamin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/YEG_GyroSwing_Aviktas_image00003-scaled-e1779442069202.jpeg 2560 1442 Luc Richard Luc Richard https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a4a7476703d11ecff833d70f06e715513f6d393e167cafe6ad87c7cfc129ba02?s=96&d=mm&r=g 22. May 2026 22. May 2026

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On May 21, 2026, Pleasure Beach in Blackpool officially opened UK’s tallest Gyro Swing: Aviktas. Opened in 1896, Pleasure Beach celebrates its 130th season with the addition of Aviktas – an exciting new Intamin Gyro Swing marking this major milestone.

Smart design for compact space

Former Bowl-a-Drome building, ©Your Experience Guide

With way over a century of operation, the park features a diverse collection of rides from different eras. This makes it increasingly challenging to introduce a new attraction that both stands out from the existing line-up and fits within limited available space.

The Intamin Gyro Swing proved to be a natural choice, thanks to its compact footprint and dynamic pendulum motion, bringing strong kinetic energy to an already densely packed environment.

Aviktas is built on the former site of the Bowl-a-Drome, a popular 1990s arcade that once featured a bowling alley alongside a wide range of games.

Driven by Power, Designed for Efficiency

©Your Experience Guide

The new Pleasure Beach Gyro Swing soars to full height in just a few swings, driven by one of the most powerful direct drive systems available on the market. Continuously refined by Intamin, this cutting-edge technology ensures significantly reduced noise levels for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

Moreover, the system can recover up to 40% of the energy required to operate the ride, delivering substantial energy savings and lower operating costs, positioning Aviktas as a sustainable ride.

Ultimate ride comfort and thrill

©Your Experience Guide

Aviktas accommodates up to 40 passengers per cycle in a suspended seating position. With comfortable restraints that leave the upper body unrestricted, it offers a powerful and thrilling experience, giving riders the sensation of flying at heights of up to 42 meters (138ft) with swings reaching 120 degrees.

The smooth and dynamic ride experience of the Intamin Gyro Swing enabled it to be recognized as one of the most favoured round rides in the world.

The entire Intamin team extends its warm thanks to its long-standing partner, Pleasure Beach Resort, for their trust and collaboration over the years, and wishes them continued success for their 130th season and beyond.

Luc Richard
16. December 2025

“King Claw” – A larger Gyro Swing at Dreamworld

“King Claw” – A larger Gyro Swing at Dreamworld https://www.intamin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IAR_GyroSwing_KingClaw_image0_BG-e1765879409703.jpg 1440 810 Luc Richard Luc Richard https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a4a7476703d11ecff833d70f06e715513f6d393e167cafe6ad87c7cfc129ba02?s=96&d=mm&r=g 16. December 2025 17. December 2025

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With a longstanding partnership with Intamin, Dreamworld opened its brand-new Gyro Swing, King Claw, on December 12, 2025.

Replace a beloved ride

In 2004, Dreamworld introduced its first Gyro Swing, “The Claw,” a 27-meter-high, first-generation Intamin Gyro Swing that remained a guest favorite for years.

After 20 years of successful operation, The Claw has retired beginning of 2025 to make way for a 50% higher, more advanced version – delivering a modern ride experience and increased capacity.

Built on the site of the original “The Claw”, King Claw features a 25-meter-long arm that reaches a maximum height of 42 meters at a 120-degree angle, providing riders with moments of complete weightlessness at the peak of each swing and making it the southern hemisphere’s largest Gyro Swing.

The gondola gently rotates, ensuring a dynamic ride experience with every swing. Each of the 40 passengers enjoys comfortable, suspended seating secured by a proven restraint system without upper-body restrictions. Despite its thrilling appearance, the Gyro Swing appeals to a wide range of guests and is considered the world’s best flat ride by many fans and visitors.

Sustainable solution

King Claw is equipped with a state-of-the-art direct drive system, recognized as the most powerful on the market, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and dynamic ride. Intamin has refined this technology over the years, allowing for significant noise reduction from the direct-drive power unit.

Additionally, the drive system enables the recovery of up to 40% of the energy needed to operate the ride, leading to substantial energy savings and reduced operational costs – making King Claw a sustainable investment for the park.

An impressive and picturesque ride

Boasting a vibrant blue color scheme, a custom-themed medallion designed by the Dreamworld Creatives team, and the captivating movements unique to Gyro Swings, King Claw promises to be a visually stunning attraction that delights guests both on and off the ride.

Are you ready to take the plunge into the mysterious Australian seas and meet King Claw? Special thanks to our dedicated partners at Dreamworld for their continued trust and collaboration on this incredible project.