Six Flags Great America previews X Flight

By | May 10, 2012

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Ill., debuted X Flight to the press and media on Thursday, May 10. The new coaster has riders suspended on both sides of the track with their feet dangling and nothing above them and nothing below. The Wing Coaster is a new genre designed by the acclaimed Swiss manufacturing firm, Bolliger & Mabillard, and is only the second of its type in the United States.

X Flight begins with a 12 story climb followed by a 120-foot drop propelling riders to speeds of 55 mph. Along the 3,000 feet of track, riders encounter five inversions, including a barrel roll and a zero-G roll. One of the highlights is a key-hole fly through that has the train making a last-minute vertical flip to clear the structure.

The new coaster will be open on May 12 and May 13, for an exclusive passholder preview event, with a grand opening on Wednesday, May 16, when the park begins daily operation.

Amusement Today Photos/Gary Slade