Saudi Arabia is gearing up to unveil the world's fastest and tallest rollercoaster, the Falcon Flight, boasting breathtaking speeds of up to 156mph. This thrilling attraction is set to be a centerpiece at the Six Flags Qiddiya amusement park in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, slated for its grand opening in 2024.
Introducing Falcon's Flight
The design process for the Falcon's Flight was initiated by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) in collaboration with Intamin Amusement Rides at the beginning of 2022. Recently, Intamin revealed more details, including a model car, providing insight into the ride's features.
Interesting Engineering reported that this will showcase the tallest free-standing coaster structure featuring a parabolic airtime hill allowing a weightless airtime experience. Falcon's Flight is poised to set multiple records in the world of amusement park thrills.
Spanning approximately 2.6 miles, this groundbreaking Exa coaster, the first to breach the 600-foot barrier, promises an unprecedented experience. With a daring vertical cliff dive maneuver into a 160m-deep valley, employing cutting-edge magnetic motor acceleration (LSM technology), Falcon's Flight is redefining the limits of rollercoaster engineering.
The ride's pinnacle drop, reaching a remarkable 640 feet, will secure its position as the world's tallest, surpassing the current record holder, Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure. Not content with just height, Falcon's Flight is set to claim the title of the world's longest roller coaster, covering a distance of 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers).
Passengers' Safety
Revealed during IAAPA, Intamin stated in its press release that despite the high speeds and substantial drops, no protective gear will be necessary. The 14-passenger train is innovatively designed with individual windscreens for each row, ensuring riders are shielded from the elements.
The lead car, aptly named Falcon's Flight, takes on the artistic form of a falcon's head, providing a unique experience for its two passengers. Subsequent cars, designed for four passengers each, adopt an open configuration to heighten guests' perception of speed and the thrilling sensation of flight, as reported by Coaster101.
Philippe Gas, Qiddiya's CEO, anticipates Falcon's Flight to be a dominant presence on the Qiddiya skyline. The rollercoaster's trajectory will weave throughout the destination, extending beyond the theme park, ascending the cliffside, and descending the cliff face, boasting the world's most significant drop on any ride.
As part of the Exa coaster experience, guests will encounter these technological innovations, contributing to an unforgettable ride. Falcon's Flight is just one of the 28 attractions within Six Flags Qiddiya, a vast amusement park covering approximately 32 hectares spread across six themed lands.
This project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, aiming to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil and gas, and promote tourism. Be prepared for a rollercoaster journey that combines cutting-edge technology with thrilling experiences, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia's venture into the entertainment and tourism industry.
