Viper (Six Flags AstroWorld)

Viper
Previously known as Jet Scream (1981–1988)
Six Flags AstroWorld
Coordinates	29.675650°N 95.406961°W / 29.675650; -95.406961
Status	Removed
Opening date	1989 (1989)
Closing date	October 30, 2005 (2005-10-30)
Six Flags St. Louis
Coordinates	38.513°N 90.673°W / 38.513; -90.673
Status	Removed
Opening date	April 4, 1981 (1981-04-04)
Closing date	1988 (1988)
General statistics
Type	Steel
Manufacturer	Anton Schwarzkopf
Designer	Werner Stengel
Model	Looping Star
Track layout	Custom
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	80 ft (24 m)
Length	1,942 ft (592 m)
Speed	47.8 mph (76.9 km/h)
Inversions	1
Capacity	1700 riders per hour
Height restriction	42 in (107 cm)
Viper at RCDB

Viper was a steel roller coaster located at Six Flags AstroWorld in Houston, Texas. Manufactured by Anton Schwarzkopf, the Looping Star model opened in 1989. It consisted of a single loop and was demolished with the closing of Six Flags AstroWorld on October 30, 2005. It had previously operated at Six Flags St. Louis, where it was known as Jet Scream from 1981 to 1988.

An identical installation known as Silver Bullet still operates at Frontier City in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Its paint scheme is different and the tunnel on the Silver Bullet surrounds the final turn as opposed to the drop hill.

History

On April 4, 1981, Jet Scream officially opened at Six Flags St. Louis. It was the park's first roller coaster to go upside down.

Jet Scream was dismantled after the 1988 season. It was sent to Six Flags AstroWorld where it was renamed Viper. The ride opened to the public in the spring of 1989.

During its run at Six Flags AstroWorld, it featured a tunnel surrounding the first drop. The exterior had a dragon mural.

On September 12, 2005, Six Flags announced the closure of the AstroWorld theme park. Viper would operate for the last time on October 30 along with the park.