The Dive Coaster is a steel roller coaster model developed and engineered by Bolliger & Mabillard. The design features one or more near-vertical drops that are approximately 90 degrees, which provide a moment of free-falling for passengers. The experience is enhanced by unique trains that seat up to ten riders per row, spanning only two or three rows total. Unlike traditional train design, this distinguishing aspect gives all passengers virtually the same experience throughout the course of the ride. Another defining characteristic of Dive Coasters is the holding brake at the top of the lift hill that holds the train momentarily right as it enters the first drop, suspending some passengers with a view looking straight down and releasing suddenly moments later.
Griffon, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Baron 1898, a themed dive coaster at Efteling in The Netherlands
An example of a floorless Dive Coaster train on SheiKra
Bolliger & Mabillard, officially Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers, Inc. and often abbreviated B&M, is a roller coaster design consultancy based in Monthey, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1988 by engineers Walter Bolliger and Claude Mabillard, both of whom had worked for Giovanola.
Two of B&M's roller coasters, Shambhala (back) and Dragon Khan (front) at PortAventura World in Spain
An inverted model with the curved drop, common on inverted roller coasters, Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Great Adventure
Raptor's cobra roll, a first for inverted roller coasters
Diagram comparing a standard lift hill and the B&M pre-drop lift hill.