On 1 July 2008, a patent was filed by Timothy R. Jacobi and Stanley J. Checketts for a "Longitudinally Spinning Suspension Roller Coaster". This concept was later revealed to be a new model of roller coaster by S&S Worldwide named the Free Fly. Shortly after the filing of the patent, Parks & Resorts Scandinavia announced their plans to add new roller coasters at three of their parks in 2009. This announcement included Tranan at Skara Sommarland which was the world's first Free Fly roller coaster. After a period of construction from late 2008 through to early 2009, Tranan officially opened to the public on 29 May 2009.
Ride experience
The ride begins with a left turn out of the station. Upon reaching the top of the chain lift hill, the train descends down a small dip into a series of helices and track inversions. For the majority of the ride, the vehicles remain vertical with only slight banking occurring on various turns. Riders therefore do not experience traditional roller coaster inversions. On-ride photos can be purchased following the ride.
Ride system
Tranan features four trains, each consisting of two, bobsleigh-style vehicles. These vehicles each seat four people inline and are suspended from a central, cantilevered support structure. The two vehicles, which rest on either side of a roller coaster track, feature an air suspension system which allows for smooth, longitudinal rotations. The ride was installed by Ride Entertainment Group.
Reception
Tranan and the wider Free Fly concept was well received by park guests and the amusement industry alike. In late 2009, the Free Fly concept won the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Best New Product Award in the Major Theme/Amusement Park Ride/Attraction category as well as the Impact Award. During 2010, S&S Worldwide was in discussions with several amusement parks about the opening of their own Free Fly rides the following year. However, as of January 2013, no other Free Fly rides have been built. S&S Worldwide have cited the ride's relatively low operating capacity of 480 to 600 riders per hour as a contributing factor as to why the ride didn't take off. As a potential market replacement, S&S Worldwide unveiled a new concept in 2012 which features trains seating between 24 and 32 riders. Seats would face both backwards and forwards with the ride experience featuring the same longitudinal rotations performed by the Free Fly.
