Radar was Turbo’s predecessor and was designed and built by Gerald Barber in the late 1960’s, originally premiering as Raven; the prototype was named the Caravel and had similar seating to a paratrooper.
The Radar was essentially two Ferris wheels with both horizontal and vertical movements. Unlike bulkier Turbo cages, the Radar could be folded up on to a single trailer. Furthermore, it was possible to fit up to 4 adult riders on a single Radar seat.
In later years, Radar conversion kits were available for Turbo owners. One of these was semi-converted i.e.. Every second Turbo cage was a Radar seat thus giving two completely different ride sensations on the one structure (depending on rider choice)
There were a total of 5 ever built: 2 Ravens and 3 Radars and with no known operating Radars or Ravens…
the rest is history.
Ever ridden or seen one? Please share your comments or contact me if you have photos.
My mom has a video of that! sadly the seats didn’t flip…
Ride enthuist - October 21st, 2009 at 4:37 am
there is a raven forsale on used rides
mike - January 7th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
the raven for dsale belongs to mitchell bros. shows of La. and the great sutton shows had a operable radar until just a few years ago
Dave - February 9th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
i saw a radar at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield MA around 1977
rick - March 12th, 2010 at 5:02 am
i know one company in pa that had one of these rides i dont know if they have it any more (oscars amusements) very nice ride. i got the chance to ride it.
chris - November 9th, 2010 at 5:33 am
I WOULD LUV TO RIDE THIS!!! BTW : I THINK THIS RIDE SHOULD BE LISTED UNDER THRILL RIDES!!
Angel - December 21st, 2010 at 6:53 am
I saw the Caravel being torn down when it made its debut in Ohio USA in 1967. Jerry had trouble folding the sweeps in.
The design is unique. The turbo tubs were the most interesting.
pinetar - February 13th, 2011 at 1:04 am
What were the ride motions? Obviously rotating like a Ferris wheel, but did it also spin horizontally Like a “radar” would? Thanks!
Jeremy - June 13th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
In the late 80’s, there was a Carnival that used to set up at the San Joaquin county fairgrounds (Stockton, CA) that had a Radar. It wasn’t during the actual fair season. I got on it a couple of times. The first time that the carnival came, I thought it was a turbo. I remember seeing the Turbo at the San Joaquin County Fair in the late 70’s/early 80’s. I was too young to ride at the time. I saw the Turbo in Ensenada, B.C. in 2001 at their summer fair but it wasn’t operating the day that I went. I’ve yet to ride.
JJ - June 19th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
its a shame that rides like these are going overseas and the uk not staying in the united states,,
chris - February 8th, 2013 at 4:12 am
My husbands family owns a carnival and they actually own a Raven. its a little run down and sitting in their yard but still very amazing. hopefully within these next few years we will have it operational and in business. this is a great thrill seeker ride.
deidre - July 2nd, 2013 at 8:44 am
Yes, as a matter of fact, I both helped move and helped refurbish the Raven in your first photo. Although it was never one of my primary rides, I did quite a lot of work on it. It even tried to kill me a couple of times.:)
Lee - January 14th, 2016 at 11:42 am
There is a Radar for sale currently on used rides . Com.
Usedrides.com/rides/23985
ron - July 9th, 2017 at 4:51 am
the radar that was for sale on UsedRides.com went to mexico… has anyone seen it ever since??
n - April 18th, 2022 at 11:40 pm