Who Invented The Boomerang?

[metalhead7]

Just something I was wondering the other day. With 46 (according to rcdb) models in operation this is one of if not the most duplicated design in coaster history. So I was wondering who at Vekoma came up with this genius idea?

 

[T0M]

I dunno, but he was Australian.

 

[Mack]

I thought I remembered reading that Arrow Dynamics, in fact, invented the Boomerang. I have nothing to back this up, however. This wouldn't be surprising given the relationship between Vekoma and Arrow (Arrow built a lot of Vekoma's rides and trains).

 

[Kata1]

I would think Vekoma.

 

[oriolat2]

B&M.

 

[metalhead7]

B&M.

MAN!!! I KNEW IT!!! No wonder boomerangs are always so smooth and painless!!

 

[insanecoastervids]

maybe Ron Toomer from arrow

 

[Hyde]

I've been doing some digging around, and according to RCDB's records only one company has built a traditional Boomerang roller coaster - Vekoma. While other companies have built shuttle roller coasters that have a back and forth motion, usually using some sort of launch propulsion, Vekoma is the only company to use a lift chain backwards, cobra roll, loop, and spike.

The first Vekoma Boomerang was built in 1982, and is believed to have either opened in 1983 or 1984.

http://rcdb.com/3826.htm

Arrow had a hand in helping construct Vekoma's early boomerangs as well.

As for a name of a designer, none is given. Overall, 45 boomerang coasters are in operation today (not including Inverted nor Giant Inverted designs), making it one of the most popular roller coaster designs in history.

Here's a further read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomerang_(roller_coaster)