Top Thrill Dragster

An average loaded train on Dragster weighs about 33,000 pounds (15,000 kilograms).  Trains have an average acceleration of 1.4g over 3.8 seconds.  Using the equation of force equals mass times acceleration (F = m x a), this shows the launch force is about 213 kN (kilonewtons) or 48,000 pounds.  Expressed another way, the normal output of the hydraulic system is about 9,000 horsepower during a launch cycle.  The system has a maximum rated output of nearly 15,000 HP.

©2021 by Joel A. Rogers.