Construction has started on the world's tallest ferris wheel in Singapore - the Singapore Flyer. With a height of 169m/554ft it will be 34m/111ft taller than the BA London Eye. The completion date is set for 2008.
http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg
From the homepage:
What is the Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is a world-class visitor attraction, fusing together a massive engineering structure to an iconic sculpted building. Its centrepiece is the giant observation wheel from which visitors can experience some of the best views in the entire region.
Diameter of the wheel
150 meters
Height
169 meters (the height of a 42-storey building)
Duration of ride
37 minutes. The ride will be operational 16 hours a day.
Capsules
Comprises 28 fully air-conditioned and UV protected capsules that can comfortably carry 32 people each (max 36).
View from the top
Singapore's city; from Changi Airport to the island of Sentosa, and beyond into parts of Malaysia and Indonesia
Location
Marina Bay, the prime waterfront Central Business District location. The Flyer is within a short walking distance to over 2,500 four and five star hotel rooms, the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Esplanade, Singapore's new performing arts centre.
Land Area
33,700 square meters
Transport/ Accessibility
• MRT (Circle Line)
• Parking for 40 tour buses and 300 motor vehicles
• A jetty, acting as the hub for the Marina Bay and Singapore River tourist cruises
Special features of the Singapore Flyer
• The Giant Observation Wheel is one of the world's largest man-made moving land objects
• Waterfront retail, entertainment, and merchandise centre
• Central atrium with a recreated Asian rain forest
• Broad, landscaped, open-air dining promenade running along 210m of uninterrupted sea frontage
• An open-air Greek Theatre concert bowl, for live entertainment performances
Easy Access for elderly and people with disabilities
A patented combination of travelators and synchronized double door entry/ exit system which enables access from both sides. Passengers will experience an easy "step on" access, making it convenient for elderly and people with disabilities.
Revolutionary Wheel Rim
The slim one dimensional wheel rim represents an engineering design breakthrough from the conventional deep truss Ferris Wheel configuration.
Precision Wind Engineering
An extensive study of the dynamics under wind ensures that passengers will be able to enjoy Singapore's spectacular skyline without experiencing lateral movement or vibration. The emphasis is on comfort and safety.
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