Cutting-Edge Wing Coaster Takes Flight at Six Flags Great America

GURNEE, Ill., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready to take flight!  The most highly anticipated thrill experience of 2012 is ready for launch. X Flight, an extreme, revolutionary wing coaster debuts today at Six Flags Great America. The Gurnee theme park's newest coaster is one of the first-of-its-kind in the world.

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X Flight is a ground-breaking wing coaster featuring state-of-the-art technology. X Flight launches riders on a flight that defies gravity, with no track above or below them.  Riders sit in pairs, suspended on either side of the track with their feet dangling, as they begin their climb up a 12-story plunge launching them into speeds of 55mph through 3,000 feet of intense 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 structure, before making a last-minute vertical flip through a keyhole cut-out. 

"X Flight is unlike any other coaster in the world," said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America park president. "Soaring through 3,000 feet of twisted steel with no track above or below you is an amazing experience. It feels like you're riding on the wing of a plane speeding through extreme turns and flips while swerving through a hanger, tower and even water elements. We are thrilled to bring this cutting-edge wing coaster to our guests for the 2012 season."

Six Flags Great America has a long history of introducing legendary rides and game-changing roller coasters. X Flight joins an already impressive coaster line-up becoming the theme park's 14th coaster. The wing coaster is designed by acclaimed manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, who also designed Six Flags Great America favorites: Raging Bull, SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight and BATMAN: The Ride. X Flight construction began in the fall of 2011. The wing coaster opens to the public May 16th in the County Fair section of the park. 

Six Flags Great America is located between Chicago and Milwaukee and offers fun for the entire family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a free 20-acre water park, spectacular shows, a nighttime illuminated parade and three children's themed areas. For more information including video and photos of X Flight, visit www.sixflags.com.              

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest regional theme park company with approximately $1.0 billion in revenue and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. For more information visit sixflags.com.

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SOURCE Six Flags Great America