Ride Profile
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Superman Ultimate Flight
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom near San Francisco has launched Superman Ultimate Flight, a new coaster from Premier Rides featuring the tallest inversion west of the Mississippi
Dale Kaetzel, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom president
R
ealised in
partnership with Warner Bros
Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, the new ride stands 15- storeys tall and takes riders to a maximum speed of 62mph over two vertical rolls and two upside-down twists. “Superman Ultimate Flight definitely pushes the envelope in the thrill category,” believes Dale
Kaetzel, president of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. “It had been some time since we had a new rollercoaster that would create, truly, a sensational response. When the concept for this ride was presented, we were blown away by the potential. It had everything in a compact design and would really stand out among our skyline.”
Barrel roll
Superman Ultimate Flight features the newest technologies developed by Premier Rides, including a highly-sophisticated multi-directional magnetic launch system. Twelve passengers are seated two by two in two separate coaches before propelling forward through a tunnel, taking a heartline roll inversion at the height of 150ft, then twisting at a 180º dive. At two points midway through the ride, the train brakes twice at unexpected intervals for cliffhanger and dramatic effects. The complete experience last just under 60 seconds. “People love the speed,” reveals Kaetzel. “They love the unexpected twists and turns. They love the feeling of free-flying when they’re upside-down and held by just a lap bar and ankle restraint. By allowing the freedom of their upper body, riders safely let themselves go and it’s a big thrill and unbelievable sensation.
“I was one of the first to ride it,” he adds, “and it is certainly a ride for the ages. I love seeing the guests come off the ride, applauding and laughing. The best part is definitely the barrel roll where it slows down just enough to bring up that anxiety of what’s to come.”
Themed around one of DC Comics’ greatest superheroes, Superman Ultimate Flight is
vibrantly coloured in red, blue and yellow. The queue line features a series of panels
showcasing Superman’s powers and attributes that include “Strength: More powerful than a locomotive,” and “Faster than a speeding bullet.” The iconic Superman “S” shield dominates the ride landscape.
32 SEPTEMBER 2012
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