The model usually consists of a long, straight launch track, a top hat tower element, and magnetic brakes that smoothly stop the train without making contact.

Despite these world-record setting achievements, Accelerator roller coasters have been infamous for their long terms of mechanical issues with its launch.

Examples of these include Xcelerator at Knott's Berry Farm or the former Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point and as of 2022, Accelerator Coasters are no longer being produced.

An Accelerator Coaster's launch system operates on the same basic principle as a Super Soaker, but on a much larger scale.

These accumulators are divided into two compartments by a movable piston, one side filled with hydraulic fluid and the other with nitrogen gas.

The train connects to the catch-car with a solid piece of metal known as a "launch dog" that drops down from the center car.

Kingda Ka, the world's second fastest roller coaster, has a design speed of 128 mph (206 km/h), seven pumps, four accumulators, and 32 turbines.

[citation needed] Most Accelerator Coasters use restraints that consist of a U-shaped lap bar that locks into place.

[2] Only three Accelerator Coasters have a lap bar restraint without the over-the-shoulder harness - Xcelerator,[3] Top Thrill Dragster[4] and Formula Rossa.

[5] Another notable feature is the locking system, which uses two hydraulic cylinders for redundancy (in case one fails) rather than relying on the older ratchet design.

This means that guests can pull down their own restraints and buckle their own belts saving ride attendants time by checking both simultaneously.