An LSM launched coaster is a coaster that adopts Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) technology to to launch the coaster train. Traditionally, a lifthill or friction wheel system is used for a coaster to provide kinetic energy for the train. The LSM drive generates electromagnetic force to propel the coaster’ train. Usually pairs of magnet plates are mounted along the center line underneath the train. Members of each pair are installed on a frame vertically and spaced with a sized gap, forming a U-shaped channel. While a specified number of stator plates are lined up and mounted at the center of the track at the launch run. Within a stator plate, there exists specified rounds of conductor winding, which generates a controlled magnetic field when connected to a electrical source. Thus a powered stator plate is a magnet.

　　When a train is pushed into the LSM launch run, the U-shaped magnet pairs sit through the stator line-up on the track. There still exists tiny space (air space, non-contact ) between the stators and the magnet pairs. After the train is readied at launch position, the stators on the track will be powered.When they are powered, the magnetic fields produced interact with the magnet pairs on the train. It works like putting two magnets close to each other. They either attract or repel each other. The action on the track resulting from this repulsive interaction is withheld or absorbed via.the track’ foundation work, while the reaction on the magnet pair fixed on the train pushes the train forward. Thus a train is launched.

　　During the launch, a large amount of heat is generated due to the interaction of fields, which significantly raises the temperature of the stators and the magnets on the train . To avoid high temperature damages the components within a stator, the stator line-up on the track must be hooked up to a cooling system to effectively remove the heat and lower the temperature.

　　Of course there is a complex control system to monitor and control the whole LSM to make sure it functions as designed without fail. The benefits of using a LSM drive on a roller coaster include fast acceleration, reduced dispatch interval and low maintenance.