B&M Wing Coaster coming to Six Flags Great America in 2012

Six Flags Great America has announced plans to add a state-of-the-art roller coaster for the 2012 season. X-Flight is a ground-breaking ‘Wing Coaster’ featuring cutting-edge technology. The Illinois theme park is the first to announce plans for a wing coaster in the U.S.

On X-Flight, riders sit in pairs, suspended on either side of the track with their feet dangling, as they begin their climb up a 12-story lift, which will propel at speeds of 55 mph through 3,000 feet of drops and five inversions including a barrel roll and zero-g roll. One of the most adrenaline-pumping moments on the ride is an extreme fly-through where the coaster speeds straight toward a control tower structure, before making a last-minute vertical flip to fit through a keyhole cut-out.

“Six Flags Great America has a long history of introducing legendary rides and first-of-its-kind roller coasters,” said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America park president. “What makes X-Flight so unique is soaring through 3,000 feet of high-speed drops, loops and turns, with nothing above or below you. The coaster’s train actually looks like a plane with seats suspended on either side of the track. It’s like nothing you have ever experienced before. We are thrilled to bring this revolutionary wing coaster to our guests for the 2012 season.”

X-Flight is designed by acclaimed Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, who also designed Six Flags Great America favorites: Raging Bull, Superman: Ultimate Flight and Batman: The Ride. The Wing Coaster will make its home in the County Fair section of the park. Construction begins this Fall. X-Flight is scheduled to open Spring of 2012.

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