Top Gun: Angle of Attacks
Top Gun: Angle of Attack is a themed interactive roller coaster prototype that simulates the experience of piloting a fighter jet inspired by the Top Gun franchise. Developed as a multidisciplinary engineering and themed entertainment project, the attraction combines mechanical systems, Arduino-controlled automation, interactive lighting, and immersive scenic design to recreate the excitement of launching from an aircraft carrier, performing aerial maneuvers, and landing on a military runway. The project demonstrates the integration of mechanical engineering, electrical systems, programming, and environmental storytelling to create a cohesive and engaging guest experience. Throughout development, the team iteratively refined the ride layout, lift mechanism, and show elements to improve reliability, functionality, and immersion, resulting in a fully operational prototype that showcases both technical innovation and themed attraction design.
Disclaimer: Developed as a university course project, this work uses existing intellectual property exclusively as a learning and prototyping exercise. No commercial use was intended, and the project was neither licensed nor distributed.My Responsibilities
Led the design, prototyping, and fabrication of the coaster's mechanical structure and automated lift-launch system.
Iteratively tested and refined the track layout to improve operational reliability and ride performance.
Designed and constructed themed scenic elements, including the runway, control tower, mountains, and environmental set dressing.
Engineered structural supports and mechanical assemblies using lightweight fabrication materials.
Collaborated with electrical and software teams to integrate motors, sensors, and lighting into the physical attraction.
Contributed to attraction development from concept through final installation, balancing engineering functionality with immersive storytelling.
My Role
As the Mechanical Systems & Scenic Design Lead, I was responsible for the design, fabrication, and integration of the attraction's physical components and themed environment. I engineered the automated lift-launch mechanism, iteratively refining the track layout and structural design to improve reliability, mechanical performance, and operational consistency throughout the development process.
In addition to the ride mechanics, I designed and built the attraction's environmental scenery, including the runway, control tower, mountain landscape, and other themed set pieces that supported the Top Gun narrative. Working closely with the electrical and programming teams, I ensured the mechanical systems seamlessly integrated with Arduino-controlled motors, sensors, lighting, and show effects to create a cohesive and immersive guest experience.
To simulate a real-world attraction development workflow, our team produced a comprehensive technical document as if the attraction were being prepared for operational handoff. The document outlines the ride concept, mechanical and electrical systems, operational logic, and maintenance considerations, demonstrating how the project would be communicated to operations and technical teams.
