The Troubled History of Hypersonic XLC: The Failed S&S Air Powered Prototype | Expedition Extinct

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Follow me on Instagram to get sneak peaks of the next Expedition? Will Lance be back! instagram.com/expeditionthemepark What expedition do you want to see?

[@BYTEXX.]

Geauga lake (I know I already asked I’m just looking for an update on the video)

[@arthur.jaanus]

Shockwave at six flags great America

[@arthur.jaanus]

Tomb raider the ride at kings island just waiting for an update

[@arthur.jaanus]

Wipeout the world's first vekoma waikiki wave super flip at dreamword Australia

[@Feelthefelt]

@@BYTEXX. I have students that live in Aurora. Don't know if you've been there, but the town is a shell of itsself now.

[@Businessmeating422]

“Lance” is the best recurring bit on KZbin.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

He controls where he appears

[@puccipower]

😂😂😂😂

[@hi-tec5574]

@@ExpeditionThemePark I read that in your voice lol

[@SpicyTexan64]

What is the back story on that?

[@Sinatra1138]

Sam's playing the greatest hits in this video: Desperado AND Face/Off, all in one expedition!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Aha it's true 😁

[@raverpoker]

​@@ExpeditionThemePark more face/off please! i forget what video it was, i think your son of beast video, but the face/off jokes in that video are what made me decide to subscribe to your channel. keep it up bro

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

The same pun TWICE Desperado AND Face Off It's gonna be interesting to see how the young man tops that And the concern has to be that he's peaked too soon and he'll burn himself out

[@JakeRanney]

idk why but "Playstation: THE RIDE" is one of the funniest things I've seen all day

[@EthanCarter611]

I lol’d too

[@joelharris1335]

Playstation: The Ride is now sponsered by Tango Drinks and is now called the Tango: Ice Blast

[@Turkeyslam]

You're single-handedly the biggest force on KZbin for a specific thing. You're the best at converting the GP, who would never otherwise think about roller coasters, into enthusiasts. These videos spark curiosity like crazy. You lure them in with an interesting documentary, and those same people are on /r/rollercoasters three months later talking about their favorite Schwarzkopf after watching an ElToroRyan video on the topic. This series is a perfect segue to convert an average KZbin viewer into one of us. You're doing a good thing for the coaster community, man. Thank you!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you that means alot. I try and make my videos accessable to all and not just enthusiasts!

[@Bizness10]

YES!!! 2 appearances by Lance in one video!!! How can anyone dislike this!!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

If I can link him in some way to a video, Lance will make an appearance!

[@thedogandponyshow5660]

Back in 2003 when I was a kid we went to King's Dominion, and I remember being too afraid to ride this, the Volcano Blast coaster, and the Anaconda. I still remember these and any video that brings them up is a funny mix of nostalgia and frustration.

[@j.r.shartzer]

I don’t think I ever want to “feel like my skin is going to rip off my face.”

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

right?!

[@beccadotelpy]

Absolutely wild they included that in promo material.

[@MotoMedicine904]

I was fortunate enough to ride this coaster. I remember it fondly as I rode it with one of my best friends, Stevie, for the first time. He unfortunately passed away in 2020 but these sort of memories make me grateful for all the times we had.

[@bagofgroceries]

This is one of those coasters that NEEDS a redo.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

MaxForce was kinda a modern version of it

[@JohnDoe-hx9vm]

@@ExpeditionThemePark I hope more rides like Maxx come along. I preferred that launch on Maxx's to Dragster's, just because of its more violent acceleration. Most launches just don't feel the same after that.

[@khighc1]

I can remember as a kid, being there the year it opened, watching the ride being tested all day, and my brother suddenly saying "There's people on it!" We ran so fast to get to ride it. I can remember the line being 3 hours long and we felt lucky we only waited 90 minutes. It was nothing I had experienced before.

[@MrJamieBattle]

4:28 the official running gag of ETP and Hypersonic is one of my most cherished credits i have obtained.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Glad you got to ride it! Lance controls when he appears not me.

[@RadioMuse1]

It's definitely my most cherished defunct credit - so I'm right there with you. The launch was incredible - while MaxxForce is similar by the numbers I remember Hypersonic's as being more sudden and violent. The tower was also excellent - still haven't found a top hat that gives quite the same sensation. Unfortunately I remember the transitions into and out of each turn to be brutally rough. Thank god it had lapbars and not the OTSRs from the space shots - because the headbanging would've caused concussions. Just watch people's heads in the transitions in the video - it's pretty obvious.

[@611_hornet5]

You did it. You made a vid with both references to Face/Off and Desperado. You total mad lad.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

it has been a goal of mine for some time! :P

[@mehgend3914]

Ive been meaning to learn way more about the XLC now I can have all the knowledge I need in one video, thanks

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

thanks for watching!

[@SeanFlaharty]

Another great video! I really enjoyed the first version of Hypersonic. The "updated" version with the different trains wasn't as fun in my opinion.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks Sean!

[@Jason_Maier]

Sean, Did Hypersonic XLC ever have any rollbacks?

[@zacharymurdock6721]

@@Jason_Maier yes it did

[@Thefury325]

@@Jason_Maier there were many of them I operated the ride until it closed, it was an absolute maintenance nightmare, me and the workers in the station would make bets and I lost some but mostly won them as I knew much more about the coaster than they did.

[@ThunderDashHub]

Makes me hope and pray that Do-dodonpa will continue to operate. The S&S Axis is coming out...but it's not the same. I really hope someone from S&S revives this stellar idea of a coaster.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I imagine so with it redone not so long ago!

[@ThunderDashHub]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Though it doesn’t ride the same without the top hat. We do get a great trade off though, the speed being increased due to the loop.

[@TheJudoJoker]

Same thing with 4D coasters and Eejenaika

[@BassGal92]

Do-dodonpa is no more.

[@sopheaphim7073]

Do-dodonpa is forever gone

[@GregBatte]

I love everything you cover. I will never stop giving at least a chuckle to the Desperado "escape" sequence in every video. Don't stop.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks Greg!

[@clarinetJWD]

I'm so glad I picked up this credit back in college while it still existed. It was a short ride, but that launch was absolutely wild.

[@tylerrusnak7736]

Sometimes the gamble on new rides doesn't pay off - Laughs in Kennywood

[@hollandmarie6278]

too real

[@TracyA123]

Always so much fun to see how you work good old Lance into the video!😂

[@Gabes1321]

Okay but that advert with the stomach in the mouth was amazing haha!!

[@TheAdrianMc]

I am glad to say that I have this credit!! I rode it on it's opening year! Also glad I got Volcano too because 2001 was the only time I visited Kings Dominion! I need to go back!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

You visited at a good time!

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

This coaster still stands out in my mind till this day. I miss it so much but was glad I was able to experience it first hand. Thanks for posting this. :)

[@MarkWilliams-xi2ig]

I definitely thought the anatomy picture was a weird Facebook ad. I got confused when the skip ad option didn't pop up. Love the videos!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you for watching!

[@ronscurti1269]

HYPERSONIC AND SON OF BEAST WERE BOTH AWESOME RIDES. I MISS BOTH OF THEM ALOT. GREAT VID BRAH.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

thank you!

[@theworstisover1323]

My dream came true today! I always hoped one Sunday I'd see this was the coaster covered on your channel. Loved it! great video!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@eddienhp]

Hypersonic XLC was an Super Underrated launching roller coaster from S&S when it first opened in 2001. Sadly it shut down in 2007 due to technical difficulties, but still very underrated roller coaster from the 2000s though.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A great launch

[@TracksideViews]

One of the best part of Sunday’s!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you!

[@jacobbalcom5629]

Once again, fantastic work my friend. Cheers 🍻

[@ae_drags9618]

The fact that you got “Lance” in their us honestly impressive. Great video as always.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

haha thank you

[@nikjo213]

I like the Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 musik in the background at the beginning, brings back so many memories

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

the best !

[@nikjo213]

@@ExpeditionThemePark if you ever need help with german names or some translations from german things feel free to hit me up :)

[@tufab3494]

Yo u just saved my sunday, always wanted a ETP video on the Hypersonic XLC, tks mate keep the great job! Greetings from Brasília, Brazil

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hello in Brazil! Hope you enjoy it!

[@RyanShyffer]

"Playstation the Ride" may be the laziest ride/product tie in I've ever seen.

[@nirvanabuzz69]

Last time I went there it was know as Tango Ice Blast and now known as just Ice Blast

[@sloucherdotorg7]

Immediate like for mentioning Reino Aventura. I always thought Cornelio (its mascot) was our very own Figment.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I would like to cover more on it!

[@sloucherdotorg7]

@@ExpeditionThemePark I might have some footage from '94 or '95. I'll have a look for old tapes in my parents' house.

[@lordcaptainvonthrust3rd]

Stunning Absolutely stunning The same pun TWICE in the same EPISODE Ambassador, with these Ferrero Roche of puns you're really spoiling us 😂

[@shannong2174]

You said a Kings Dominion video was coming and you didn't disappoint!

[@fearlessfreep]

Kings Dominion was my "local park." (Well, Six Flags America was closer, but given that working there was one of my first jobs, I didn't want to spend a day off there.) I remember when XLC opened. I was stoked. My first trip to KD after it opened was a bust as it was down. On my second trip it started out working, but after waiting over 90 minutes they shut it down for the day. Third time was the charm! I LOVED that crush of the launch. I was there on a day that wasn't too crowded and was able to ride it several times. The ride in the front seat was such a rush. Don't get me started about Volcano - the most underrated coaster of all time.

[@bhu1992]

RCT music takes me back ;)

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

great music isn't it?

[@DarksideBallerina]

I rode this coaster back in 2001, it was the third rollercoaster I'd ever been on in my life, and I really think it's the reason I love rollercoasters now! I'm so sad it's gone, but it's impression hasn't been lost!

[@raramcgee4982]

This was my second or third ever launch coaster. First I think was rock n roll at Disney world and then volcano at this same park(RIP). This ride was really really fun.

[@VADallasCowboysFan]

I got on Volcano the last weekend it took guests

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Some good first launch coasters you have there!

[@DarMar106]

“PlayStation: The Ride” Wow they really did just stick “The Ride” on a lot of attactions the 90s lol

[@Potatowhirl]

When I was 14 I rode on this with my dad maybe 7 or 8 times. We stopped going on it because even if you put your head all the way back in the headrest you'd still get banged around against the padding. The video mentioned the big woosh sound of the launch, but didn't show the giant plumes of air that shot out of those tanks right before you launched. It sucked to get stuck on the launch for 5-10 mins sometimes before it launched, now I know it was because of the weight calculation. Good memories. Flight of Fear and Volcano were some of my all time favorites.

[@Hello_ALA]

Proud to say that I've ridden this ride twice during my two vacations to KD. Made an impact on my young coaster days...as evident in my user name.

[@ZanesProductions]

The S&S drop towers that take you up slow, pause, then shoot you down are the BEST. Much better than the ones that launch up. Also S&S swings are awesome.

[@maxhagenauer24]

Hyper Sonic looks awesome, it is a ride I with I could experience for that airtime over the top hat. Like always, I get tons of great information of new rides from your videos.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you for watching!

[@wtrf22]

You should do some historical stuff covering Silver Dollar City in Missouri or Sliver Dollar City Tennessee (aka modern day “Dollywood”).

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I will

[@tiffanydesireedahlia3141]

I adored this coaster. I rode it multiple times when I was in middle school.

[@so-calseany1176]

Fun fact! One of my close friends went on this during its first month of operation BEFORE they installed padding on the shin guards, causing him to get off the ride with massive cuts on his legs!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Ouch!

[@coaster_bros2476]

Can’t wait to watch because I know it’s going to be good!!!!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Hope you enjoy!

[@coaster_bros2476]

@@ExpeditionThemePark just finished and I sure did!!!

[@kelsey280]

Gosh. I remember riding this when it first opened. Good memories.

[@bellasalceies4138]

King's Dominion is my home park! I remember seeing this when I went to the first time when my grandparents and I moved in 2006 to Virginia. It must've been around 2007 or 2008 when I saw that type of coaster. I wasn't at the height requirement for it, but seeing it next to Hurler (Twisted Timbers) and Ricochet (Apple Zapple) was very interesting

[@zacharystewart5344]

I'm really thankful I was able to ride Hypersonic XLC back in the day. I305 is the most intense coaster I have been on but Hypersonic had the most intense element and something nobody talks about is if you were sitting on the right side of the train you couldn't hear the air building up or see the stoplight so you had not idea when you were taking off.

[@Travelmatt23]

So glad Lance made an appearance in this video!

[@sedricgranger]

Great to learn about this coaster! Keep up the good work

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@jayducharme]

I rode Hypersonic in 2002, and once was enough. The launch was pretty amazing and the airtime at the top of the hill was intense. But the trip back to the station was really uncomfortable. They never should have used pneumatic tires. The car would bounce through the entire route, as if it had octagonal wheels. If they had used large-diameter solid tires, I bet the ride would have been much more stable and comfortable.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Something they should have changed if they didn't purchase the prototype directly from S & S I imagine.

[@edvaira6891]

Stan Checkettes is a SERIOUSLY INTERESTING human being and I am glad he is around innovating very INTERESTING ideas!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed

[@joeywebster7617]

I was able to ride this exactly once in 2007. Hell of a ride and a concept, sad that it was plagued by so many issues

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

glad you got to ride it!

[@MikeBrown-lg3on]

Kings Dominion is my second home park behind Busch Gardens Williamsburg... Hypersonic XLC was an awesome ride... They just rolled it out to quickly. Kings Dominion is in much better hands with Cedar Fair...

[@FilmThePoliceFTP]

What a great ride. I was so disappointed when they closed it. I don’t remember experiencing any downtime, and I rode it several times.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yeah a real shame. That launch

[@Michael-kj7vs]

another great one! thanks!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you for watching!

[@curtissimpkins]

Hey another great video Sam i love it

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

thanks for watching Curtis

[@gojewla]

I would love to have ridden this. I have never ridden on a top hat like this before. Most are set perpendicular to the track, so they act also like turn around. Plus that launch! ❤️

[@JamesonThomas24]

Can I just say I love the RCT3 music you often use haha! Or the other RCT games

[@theGreenGoblin]

I hated that they lost the Wayne’s World section of King’s Dominion. The donut shop, the Hurler, the music shop; all bangers. I miss it. ☹️ My favorite coaster there from memory is still the Flight of Fear. Volcano is great, but the Outer Limits just has a better atmosphere overall.

[@ericplatts9100]

I miss that area too.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

It is a shame that it was replaced

[@danibabyy]

Yeah I really miss it too

[@rockandrollrockandrollrock6930]

The hurler was turned into twisted Timbers and it’s one of my all time favorite rides now. That thing is sick and zooming in and out of the old hurler track is crazy nostalgic

[@willworkforicecream]

I remember riding that prototype model back when it was testing in Logan. Always wondered what happened to it. Stan's a madman. While he was in some battle with the city council over some permits he said "I could drive down Main Street throwing hundred dollar bills out my window and someone would complain"

[@amusementnow4416]

Kings Dominion added a launched coaster (King Kobra) in the first year of their existence back in 1977. Then, like you mentioned, along with Hypersonic, they had the legendary Volcano, Flight of Fear, AND Backlot Stunt Coaster!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A great selection of coasters that was

[@SalivatingSteve]

A friend of mine at school was a child actor and played the role of John Travolta’s kid who gets shot in the head at the beginning of Face/Off. He had a lot of fun filming that.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

That's amazing haha does he still act

[@MsSaraKirkpatrick]

I just watched Face/Off this morning

[@SalivatingSteve]

@@ExpeditionThemePark He doesn’t act anymore. He’s in a phd program now.

[@fearlessfreep]

Travolta was filming in Baltimore once (pretty sure it was Ladder 49). I went to dinner with my wife at a steakhouse and on the way out he was walking in. I said "Good evening Mr. Travolta" and he replied the same kindly. As we walked away my wife says "do you work with him."

[@fearlessfreep]

@@ExpeditionThemePark Travolta? Not much, and only in B-level films.

[@djsugarc1075]

lovin the steel drum groove in the back

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

yesss

[@Good_Boy_Red]

Every time I hear that a park buys a "first of its kind prototype" to save money, I just have to laugh. I have seen too many of these prototype horror stories. I do wonder though is they struck a deal with S&S with a maintenance contract to help cover the cost of working out the kinks in S&S's new design.

[@d0mthedrummer]

What's the title of the background music called around the 10:48 mark?

[@coyoteartist]

I went to Worlds of Fun several times in the summer of 1996. I recall walking past the Detonator and the sound of the air as the cars would come down. I honestly expected a proper sonic boom out of something like that, but I don't recall feeling one. I didn't know however that it was a brand new thing or the first in the US. If any of the commercials focused on that, they weren't on during the Olympics. Sometimes it seem like if it wasn't the Timber Wolf, it wasn't worth putting in a commercial. That drag race coaster looks pretty rad because well drag racing, but Old Town sure ain't like it was when I went there as a kid.

[@rpavlik1]

I didn't expect so many in-jokes in an amusement park video, but I love it. Even if I don't quite understand where Lance came from.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Just know Lance will always be there if he can be!

[@MidwestMisfit]

That old Demon Drop footage from Cedar Point hit me hard in the Nostalgia.

[@johndef5075]

That was fun.

[@jonorowe]

great video ETP

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks!

[@whytouyou751]

Keep up the great videos

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks for watching!

[@taylordobson6559]

I've never clicked on a video so fast. This is the first roller coaster I ever rode.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

thanks for watching Taylor

[@jt8162]

I rode this after it opened, amazing. I went back years later.. so painful and jarring.

[@beingofnatureshadow]

whats the backing song between 0:23-0:50 ? it's got such a good beat to it

[@RY30DM]

That launch was everything, but there was so much speed coming off the top hat that you felt it could’ve last longer. And the brakes were obnoxiously loud.

[@kombi9648]

I live like a mile away. From S&S. And this was great. First. Interesting seeing the area with nothing around. They have a launcher and some track parts. Logan is an interesting area. We have or had. 2 Amusement manufacturers. A couple of fireworks companies. And the final resting place of the Apple Lisa. Well when you have a valley of rocket scientists and people that like speed. Things get fun

[@paintervision]

What I remember most about this ride is the crashing sounds into the brake run that it always made. It sounded like a car accident, every time. Fast and fun launch, but the top hat was so tight, you didn’t really get to enjoy the view, and it didn’t really do anything else with the speed. It’s on the pile of other bad Paramount decisions, like Flying Super Saturator, Tomb Raider The Ride, Stealth, etc.

[@brandonbaker7468]

I loved hypersonic and still miss it in 2022

[@aflacemery]

I got to ride it, launch was crazy, but the whole ride was done in under 20 seconds. I always thought they sold it off but didn't realize they scrapped it

[@MrZOMGodnes]

Big up my boi Lance!

[@leesullivan1916]

What's the opening intro tune from.... So catchy?

[@beejay271]

I was lucky enough to have ridden this ride a few times and for the most part I liked it. Going over that top hat was a little jerky but still a great ride. I really miss when KD was Paramounts KD. If I may show my age for a bit I also miss when Kings Dominion featured Hanna Barbera characters back in the 80s and was featured in the thriller movie "Rollercoaster"!... Yeah I'm kinda old lol

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

I am yet to see that movie but keep meaning to get a copy to watch

[@VADallasCowboysFan]

Yo Smurf Mountain was Awesome!!

[@beejay271]

@@VADallasCowboysFan so was the haunted river and time shaft👍

[@OriginalPineapplesFoster]

I had no plans to watch your Son of Beast video until I saw this one. So thanks. 😝🍍

[@daniel.909]

What's the source on the S&S tower at Reino Aventura using Arrow restraints? Hadn't heard of that before.

[@ernestoalejandrojuradoagui4824]

At minute 20:56 there is a mistake in the subtitles because they say: by 1995 Intermin when it is Intamin, can you fix it ?

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

In English?

[@ernestoalejandrojuradoagui4824]

@@ExpeditionThemePark You can put them in various languages ​​I don't care.

[@nv_spartan1771]

The launch on this coaster was incredible.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

it was the best!

[@kamildouglas]

Hell's yea

[@jamesrauff]

Great video as always . Ohhhh I miss those old intamin free falls! Very few in the US still operational. Never got a chance to ride Hyper Sonic ! Makes me want to go to Japan and ride dudumpadump ( haha no idea how to spell that actual ride ) that sounds like a lil Kim themed ride. Seems like kings dominion liked to buy prototypes. Ala volcano also RIP .PS Gina Gershwin in face off 🔥🔥

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Those old freefalls look so unique!

[@MsSaraKirkpatrick]

Yay! Lots of Cedar Point clips

[@Shiirow]

it doesnt surprise me when I see companies buy prototype rides and they have massive issues. its like a game company buying an alpha build from a developer and releasing it as a final product only to find out theres massive game breaking bugs all over it. I mean what did you expect its a prototype, theres going to be kinks you need to work out since active use isnt the same as a few test runs.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I loved watching that Extreme Rides 2000 Show

[@foxcub2yo108]

I rode this long before I was big into coasters. It’s by far my favorite credit.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

A very nice credit to have

[@contessalouannec8064]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thanks for watching

[@tecwzrd]

KD is my home park and I got to ride this every year it was open and it often was down. Never knew it was a prototype that KD had bought, explains why it was down so often. It was a great ride but honestly the magnetic launch coasters are almost as fast and usually more fun. I was much more disappointed they closed Volcano vs this ride.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Nice you got to go on it so much!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Where did you find that animated video for Hypersonic XLC

[@mshea10666]

Got to Ride this one three different times. Launch was as advertised 🤪🤪 But the ride itself lasted around 10to 15 seconds.. It looked and felt like a prototype.. I still would it ride it today 🤙🤙

[@MrBucketlist]

Lol between Lance and the Darren brown you always have me dying

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

haha thank you