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Revision as of 02:42, 21 December 2024 editPlighting Engineerd (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users595 editsm Fix wording in lead, remove apostrophe in "Falcon's" in some places, and remove redundant "motor" (the M in LSM already stands for motor) + modified references - Altered title. | Use this tool. Report bugs. | #UCB_Gadget← Previous edit Latest revision as of 03:11, 5 January 2025 edit undoBigtime Boy (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users2,450 edits Statistics: Removing better source needed on a video, professionally filmed and depicting a full press interview of the manufacturer's representatives 
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'''Falcons Flight''' is a ] ] located at ], part of the ] mega project in ], ]. Upon opening it will become the ].<ref name= "First">{{Cite web|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/pics-saudis-new-six-flags-park-feature-worlds-fastest-longest-roller-coaster/|title=In pics: Saudi's new Six Flags park to feature world's fastest, longest roller coaster|date=August 27, 2019|last=Nagraj|first=Aarti|website=Gulf Business|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> '''Falcons Flight''' is a ] ] located at ], part of the ] mega project in ], ]. Upon opening, it will become the ].<ref name= "First">{{Cite web|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/pics-saudis-new-six-flags-park-feature-worlds-fastest-longest-roller-coaster/|title=In pics: Saudi's new Six Flags park to feature world's fastest, longest roller coaster|date=August 27, 2019|last=Nagraj|first=Aarti|website=Gulf Business|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>


==History== == History ==
===Conception=== === Conception ===
{{See also|Qiddiya}} {{See also|Qiddiya}}
] ] officially announced the ] mega project on April 7, 2017, which would cement itself as a entertainment, sport and cultural destination as a key part of the ], aimed to diversify its economy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1306771/saudi-arabia|title=Qiddiya Investment Company officially established as standalone company|date=May 21, 2018|work=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Included in the announcement was the involvement of the original ] theme park chain, which at the time was also pursuing the development of international parks in ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/general-news-1c23af42bf2a410b99747beb259dc52e|title=6 Flags park to be built in new Saudi 'entertainment city'|date=April 9, 2017|work=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> The ] reported in October 2018 that the Crown Prince had met with David McKillipthen Six Flags' senior vice president of international park operationsthe Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/article-50579-saudi-crown-prince-meets-six-flags-svp-to-discuss-qiddiya|title=Saudi Crown Prince meets Six Flags SVP to discuss Qiddiya|date=October 28, 2018|last=Rousseau|first=Oscar|work=Construction Week|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> On April 7, 2017, ] ] officially announced the ] mega project, an entertainment, sport, and cultural destination designed to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy as part of the ] initiative.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1306771/saudi-arabia|title=Qiddiya Investment Company officially established as standalone company|date=May 21, 2018|work=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Included in the announcement was the involvement of the original ] theme park chain, which at the time was also pursuing the development of international parks in ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/general-news-1c23af42bf2a410b99747beb259dc52e|title=6 Flags park to be built in new Saudi 'entertainment city'|date=April 9, 2017|work=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> The ] reported in October 2018 that the Crown Prince had met with David McKillip{{snd}}then Six Flags' senior vice president of international park operations{{snd}}the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/article-50579-saudi-crown-prince-meets-six-flags-svp-to-discuss-qiddiya|title=Saudi Crown Prince meets Six Flags SVP to discuss Qiddiya|date=October 28, 2018|last=Rousseau|first=Oscar|work=Construction Week|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>


Details for Six Flags Qiddiya were formally revealed on August 26, 2019, with the park slated to open in early 2023. Most notably included was Falcons Flight, a gargantuan roller coaster that would cinch the world records for longest, tallest, and fastest coaster ever built.<ref name= "First"/> An animated reel was released depicting a theoretical idea of what Falcons Flight could ultimately look like, which proposed scaling the nearby cliffs and interacting with the to-be-built ] ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx5KN_Iymjo|title=Tallest, Fastest Rollercoaster to be Built: Falcon's Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia|date=August 27, 2019|author=blooloop: Visitor Attraction News|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> The concept immediately drew skepticism from some ], who dismissed the video's physics as unrealistic and debated as to whether a project of such a size would ultimately be completed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://limitlesspark.com/2021/01/04/specs-and-manufacturer-announced-for-falcons-fury-worlds-tallest-fastest-longest-roller-coaster/|title=SPECS AND MANUFACTURER ANNOUNCED FOR FALCON'S FLIGHTWORLD'S TALLEST, FASTEST, LONGEST ROLLER COASTER|date=January 4, 2021|last=Krivsky|first=Andrew|website=limitlesspark.com|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Details for Six Flags Qiddiya were formally revealed on August 26, 2019, with the park slated to open in early 2023. Included was Falcons Flight, a ] that would claim the world records for tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the world.<ref name= "First"/> An animated reel was released depicting a theoretical idea of what Falcons Flight could ultimately look like, which proposed scaling the nearby cliffs and interacting with the to-be-built ] ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx5KN_Iymjo|title=Tallest, Fastest Rollercoaster to be Built: Falcon's Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia|date=August 27, 2019|author=blooloop: Visitor Attraction News|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> The concept immediately drew skepticism from some ], who dismissed the video's physics as unrealistic and debated as to whether a project of such a size would ultimately be completed.<ref name="limitlesspark">{{Cite web|url=https://limitlesspark.com/2021/01/04/specs-and-manufacturer-announced-for-falcons-fury-worlds-tallest-fastest-longest-roller-coaster/|title=Specs and Manufacturer Announced for Falcon's FlightWorld's Tallest, Fastest, Longest Roller Coaster|date=January 4, 2021|last=Krivsky|first=Andrew|website=limitlesspark.com|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>


===Industry Involvement=== === Industry Involvement ===
By January 2020 it was confirmed that manufacturers had been selected for all of the park's attractions, with geotechnical testing and analysis taking place on the cliffside.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blooloop.com/theme-park/in-depth/six-flags-qiddiya/|title=Six Flags Qiddiya to bring year-round thrills to Saudi Arabia|date=January 30, 2020|last=Ralph By January 2020, it was confirmed that manufacturers had been selected for all of the park's attractions, with geotechnical testing and analysis taking place on the cliffside.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blooloop.com/theme-park/in-depth/six-flags-qiddiya/|title=Six Flags Qiddiya to bring year-round thrills to Saudi Arabia|date=January 30, 2020|last=Ralph
|first=Owen|website=Blooloop|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> In January 2021, ]-based ] announced that they'd kicked off the design process for Falcons Flight; project manager Lukas Spieldiener would later allude to development having begun as far back as 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eap-magazin.de/Article/Saudi-Arabia-Liechtenstein%3A-Start-of-Design-Process-for-Six-Flags’-“Falcon’s-Flight”-Superlative-Coaster.html|title=Saudi Arabia/Liechtenstein: Start of Design Process for Six Flags' "Falcon's Flight" Superlative Coaster|date=January 12, 2021|website=EuroProfessional Magazine|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Reveal">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gottagoorlando.com/post/intamin-unveil-huge-coaster-vehicle-for-falcon-s-flight-six-flags-qiddiya-at-iaapa-expo-in-orlando|title=Intamin unveil huge coaster vehicle for Falcon's Flight, Six Flags Qiddiya at IAAPA Expo in Orlando|date=November 15, 2023|website=gottagoorlando.com|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Another two years later, in January 2023, Swiss electronics firm Indrivetec AG affirmed that they were working on the launch propulsion system for a coaster with a "world speed record of more than {{convert|240|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}}".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/activity:7003702182415863808/|title=Soon it will be time to keep your fingers crossed!|date=January 12, 2023|author=Indrivetech AG|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> |first=Owen|website=Blooloop|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> In January 2021, ]-based ride manufacturer ] announced that they had begun the design process for Falcons Flight; project manager Lukas Spieldiener would later allude to development having begun as far back as 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eap-magazin.de/Article/Saudi-Arabia-Liechtenstein%3A-Start-of-Design-Process-for-Six-Flags’-“Falcon’s-Flight”-Superlative-Coaster.html|title=Saudi Arabia/Liechtenstein: Start of Design Process for Six Flags' "Falcon's Flight" Superlative Coaster|date=January 12, 2021|website=EuroProfessional Magazine|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Reveal">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gottagoorlando.com/post/intamin-unveil-huge-coaster-vehicle-for-falcon-s-flight-six-flags-qiddiya-at-iaapa-expo-in-orlando|title=Intamin unveil huge coaster vehicle for Falcon's Flight, Six Flags Qiddiya at IAAPA Expo in Orlando|date=November 15, 2023|website=gottagoorlando.com|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Two years later, in January 2023, Swiss electronics firm Indrivetec AG affirmed that they were working on the launch propulsion system for a coaster with a "world speed record of more than {{convert|240|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}}".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/activity:7003702182415863808/|title=Soon it will be time to keep your fingers crossed!|date=January 12, 2023|author=Indrivetech AG|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>


Intamin used the 2023 ] in ] as a platform to reveal details on Falcons Flight. One of the coaster's lead cars was presented and displayed on November 14, and a newer animation was released of the finalized coaster design.<ref name="Reveal"/> The final layout eschewed an ] inversion and cliffside tunnel that were included in the original concept, but otherwise remained consistent with the vision in scale and design. Daniel Schoppenthe firm's Vice President of design and developmentdescribed Falcons Flight as “the roller coaster evolution of the century”.<ref name= "Details">{{Cite web|url=https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/intamin-falcons-flight/|title=Intamin reveals details of Falcons Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya|date=November 21, 2023|last=Hardy|first=Rebecca|website=Blooloop|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> At the 2023 ] in ], Intamin revealed further details on Falcons Flight. One of the coaster's lead cars was presented and displayed on November 14, and an updated animation was released of the finalized coaster design.<ref name="Reveal"/> The final layout eschewed an ] inversion and cliffside tunnel that were included in the original concept, but otherwise remained consistent with the vision in scale and design. Daniel Schoppen{{snd}}the firm's Vice President of design and development{{snd}}described Falcons Flight as “the roller coaster evolution of the century”.<ref name="Details">{{Cite web|url=https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/intamin-falcons-flight/|title=Intamin reveals details of Falcons Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya|date=November 21, 2023|last=Hardy|first=Rebecca|website=Blooloop|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>


===Construction=== === Construction ===
Construction took place concurrently with the park. For Six Flags as a whole, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) awarded a ]3.75 billion (] $998.2 million) joint contract in December 2021 to ] and Saudi Almabani General Contractors. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/saudi-almabani-and-bbi-win-1bn-contract-for-six-flags-qiddiya|title=Saudi Almabani and BBI win $1bn contract for Six Flags Qiddiya|date=December 13, 2021|last=Dadlani|first=Disha|work=Construction Week|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> In September 2022, Intamin sought to hire a project manager "based in Riyadh for about 2 years Construction took place concurrently with the park. For Six Flags as a whole, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) awarded a ]3.75 billion (] $998.2 million) joint contract in December 2021 to ] and Saudi Almabani General Contractors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/saudi-almabani-and-bbi-win-1bn-contract-for-six-flags-qiddiya|title=Saudi Almabani and BBI win $1bn contract for Six Flags Qiddiya|date=December 13, 2021|last=Dadlani|first=Disha|work=Construction Week|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> In September 2022, Intamin sought to hire a project manager "based in Riyadh for about 2 years
(possibly more)".<ref>{{cite document|publisher=Intamin Amusement Rides Int. Corp. Est.|author-link=Intamin|year=2022|title=Site Operations Manager 100%(M/W/D)|page=1|type=PDF|quote=For supporting us in a large scale and iconic project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), we are looking for a Site Operations Manager}}</ref> Fabrication of the attraction took place at Stakotra Manufacturing in ], ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CsRL3uPOxvU/|title=Some very interesting things...|date=May 15, 2023|author=aerocoasters|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> (possibly more)."<ref>{{cite document|publisher=Intamin Amusement Rides Int. Corp. Est.|author-link=Intamin|year=2022|title=Site Operations Manager 100%(M/W/D)|page=1|type=PDF|quote=For supporting us in a large scale and iconic project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), we are looking for a Site Operations Manager}}</ref> Fabrication of the attraction took place at Stakotra Manufacturing in ], ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CsRL3uPOxvU/|title=Some very interesting things...|date=May 15, 2023|author=aerocoasters|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=January 2025}}


The first pieces of track and supports were placed in April 2023 the station and brake run area.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=themeparX|number=1644023431619395584|date=April 6, 2023|title=Major milestone at Six Flags Qiddiya as track is now being installed for...}}</ref> Installation continued in phases over the next year and a half, with the first launch hill and then final turnaround being erected. The top piece of the marquee camelback - itself the tallest freestanding structure on the coaster - was placed in April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tiktok.com/@sadeeq1212/video/7360727867824622856|title=SADEEQ DGKHAN|date=April 22, 2024|author=sadeeq1212|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Intamin announced in December 2024 that some weeks prior the final track piece had been fitted into place on top of the drop, just over the edge of the cliff.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/100064371356316/posts/1013709344118101/|title=Intamin|date=December 12, 2024|author=]|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> The first pieces of track and supports were placed in April 2023 in the station and brake run area.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=themeparX|number=1644023431619395584|date=April 6, 2023|title=Major milestone at Six Flags Qiddiya as track is now being installed for...}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=January 2025}} Installation continued in phases over the next year and a half, with the first launch hill and then final turnaround being erected. The top piece of the ]{{snd}}the tallest freestanding section of the coaster{{snd}}was placed in April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tiktok.com/@sadeeq1212/video/7360727867824622856|title=SADEEQ DGKHAN|date=April 22, 2024|author=sadeeq1212|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=January 2025}} Intamin announced in December 2024 that some weeks prior, the final track piece had been fitted into place on top of the drop, just over the edge of the cliff.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/100064371356316/posts/1013709344118101/|title=Intamin|date=December 12, 2024|author=]|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref>


==Characteristics== == Characteristics ==
===Statistics=== === Statistics ===
Falcons Flight is {{convert|13,943.6|ft|m}} long and will reach a top speed of {{convert|155.3|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} throughout its course. The coaster uses the natural cliffs near the park to attain a peak elevation of {{convert|639.8|ft|m}}, although the tallest freestanding hill at ground level is {{convert|535|ft|m}}. The drop height off of this structure is known to be {{convert|519|ft|m}} in height. Falcons Flight is {{convert|13,943.6|ft|m}} long and will reach a top speed of {{convert|155.3|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. The coaster uses the natural cliffs near the park to attain a peak elevation of {{convert|639.8|ft|m}} and a drop of {{convert|525|ft|m}}, while the tallest freestanding hill is {{convert|535|ft|m}} from ground level and features a {{convert|519|ft|m|adj=on}} drop.<ref name="limitlesspark" /><ref name="RCDB">{{Cite RCDB |coaster_name=Falcons Flight |location=Six Flags Qiddiya City |rcdb_number=21315 |accessdate=4 January 2025}}</ref>


The coaster will run with six trains, each of which will seat fourteen riders across four cars in rows of two; the front car only has a single row while the others have two. Falcons Flight's station will use a dual loading bay to handle trains, with two separate sets of track and platforms to increase throughput. The coaster will run with six trains, each of which will seat fourteen riders across four cars in rows of two; the front car only has a single row while the others each have two.<ref name="RCDB" /> Falcons Flight's station will feature a dual loading bay, with two separate tracks and platforms to increase throughput.<ref name="Reveal" />


Falcons Flight utilizes three ], each of which propels the train to sequentially higher speeds. The second launch ascending the cliffside will accelerate riders to just over {{convert|100|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, while the final launch on the descent aids the train in achieving the maximum {{convert|155.3|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} top speed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfZjY7dLLy8|title=FALCON'S FLIGHT Reveal + Details! Six Flags' Record-SHATTERING Roller Coaster.|date=November 14, 2023|author=AmusementInsider|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> The launches are made up of more than 700 LSM modules, about six times the amount used on ] at ], another high-profile Intamin roller coaster.<ref name= "Details"/> Falcons Flight utilizes three ] (LSM) launches, each of which propels the train to sequentially higher speeds. The second launch ascending the cliffside will accelerate riders to just over {{convert|100|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, while the final launch on the descent aids the train in achieving the maximum {{convert|155.3|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} top speed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfZjY7dLLy8|title=FALCON'S FLIGHT Reveal + Details! Six Flags' Record-SHATTERING Roller Coaster.|date=November 14, 2023|author=AmusementInsider|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> The launches are made up of more than 700 LSM modules, about six times the amount used on ] at ], another launched roller coaster constructed by Intamin.<ref name="Details"/><ref>{{Cite RCDB |coaster_name=VelociCoaster |location=Universal Studios Islands of Adventure |rcdb_number=6992 |accessdate=4 January 2025}}</ref>


===Design=== === Design ===
] ]
Falcons Flightdubbed by Intamin as an Exa Coasterhas been designed to withstand both the high speeds incurred and harsh desert climate. For comfort the trains feature lap bars and giant curved windshields per car, protecting riders from airborne sand at high speeds. The trains are fully machined with no welding involved and include rims specifically designed to improve cooling. The wheels were custom designed for the project, measuring {{convert|16|in|cm}} in diameter and being among the largest ever committed to a coaster (although marginally smaller than those found on ] at ]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://amusementtoday.com/2024/05/top-thrill-2-opens-and-shatters-records/|title=Top Thrill 2 opens and shatters records|date=May 3, 2024|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Falcons Flight's trains also include thirty-five programmable and individually controlled light modules, allowing for enhanced spectator visibility at night.<ref name= "Details"/> Falcons Flight{{snd}}dubbed by Intamin as an Exa Coaster{{snd}}has been designed to withstand both the high speeds incurred and harsh desert climate. For comfort the trains feature lap bars and giant curved windshields per car, protecting riders from airborne sand at high speeds. The trains are fully ] with no ] involved and include rims specifically designed to improve cooling. The wheels were custom designed for the project, measuring {{convert|16|in|cm}} in diameter and being among the largest ever committed to a coaster (although marginally smaller than those found on ] at ]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://amusementtoday.com/2024/05/top-thrill-2-opens-and-shatters-records/|title=Top Thrill 2 opens and shatters records|date=May 3, 2024|website=]|access-date=December 19, 2024}}</ref> Falcons Flight's trains also include thirty-five programmable and individually controllable light modules, allowing for enhanced spectator visibility at night.<ref name= "Details"/>


==References== == References ==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}


==External links== == External links ==
* {{Official website|https://sixflagsqiddiyacity.com/en/rides/falcons-flight}} * {{Official website|https://sixflagsqiddiyacity.com/en/rides/falcons-flight}}
* {{RCDB|21034}} * {{RCDB|21315}}


] ]

Latest revision as of 03:11, 5 January 2025

Steel roller coaster at Six Flags Qiddiya
Falcons Flight
Six Flags Qiddiya
LocationSix Flags Qiddiya
Park sectionCity of Thrills
Coordinates24°35′15″N 46°20′01″E / 24.587619°N 46.333549°E / 24.587619; 46.333549
StatusUnder construction
Opening date2025
General statistics
TypeSteel – Launched
ManufacturerIntamin
ModelExa Coaster
Lift/launch systemLinear motor launch
Height639.8 ft (195.0 m)
Drop519 ft (158 m)
Length13,943.6 ft (4,250.0 m)
Speed155.3 mph (249.9 km/h)
Max vertical angle90°
Height restriction130 cm (4 ft 3 in)
Trains6 trains with four cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 7 rows for a total of 14 riders per train
WebsiteOfficial website
GoFast Pass Available
Falcons Flight at RCDB

Falcons Flight is a steel launched roller coaster located at Six Flags Qiddiya, part of the Qiddiya mega project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Upon opening, it will become the world's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster.

History

Conception

See also: Qiddiya

On April 7, 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially announced the Qiddiya mega project, an entertainment, sport, and cultural destination designed to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. Included in the announcement was the involvement of the original Six Flags theme park chain, which at the time was also pursuing the development of international parks in Dubai and China. The Saudi Press Agency reported in October 2018 that the Crown Prince had met with David McKillip – then Six Flags' senior vice president of international park operations – the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh.

Details for Six Flags Qiddiya were formally revealed on August 26, 2019, with the park slated to open in early 2023. Included was Falcons Flight, a roller coaster that would claim the world records for tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the world. An animated reel was released depicting a theoretical idea of what Falcons Flight could ultimately look like, which proposed scaling the nearby cliffs and interacting with the to-be-built F1 race track. The concept immediately drew skepticism from some internet circles, who dismissed the video's physics as unrealistic and debated as to whether a project of such a size would ultimately be completed.

Industry Involvement

By January 2020, it was confirmed that manufacturers had been selected for all of the park's attractions, with geotechnical testing and analysis taking place on the cliffside. In January 2021, Liechtenstein-based ride manufacturer Intamin announced that they had begun the design process for Falcons Flight; project manager Lukas Spieldiener would later allude to development having begun as far back as 2017. Two years later, in January 2023, Swiss electronics firm Indrivetec AG affirmed that they were working on the launch propulsion system for a coaster with a "world speed record of more than 240 km/h (150 mph)".

At the 2023 IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, Intamin revealed further details on Falcons Flight. One of the coaster's lead cars was presented and displayed on November 14, and an updated animation was released of the finalized coaster design. The final layout eschewed an Immelmann inversion and cliffside tunnel that were included in the original concept, but otherwise remained consistent with the vision in scale and design. Daniel Schoppen – the firm's Vice President of design and development – described Falcons Flight as “the roller coaster evolution of the century”.

Construction

Construction took place concurrently with the park. For Six Flags as a whole, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) awarded a SAR3.75 billion (USD $998.2 million) joint contract in December 2021 to Bouygues Bâtiment International and Saudi Almabani General Contractors. In September 2022, Intamin sought to hire a project manager "based in Riyadh for about 2 years (possibly more)." Fabrication of the attraction took place at Stakotra Manufacturing in Piešťany, Slovakia.

The first pieces of track and supports were placed in April 2023 in the station and brake run area. Installation continued in phases over the next year and a half, with the first launch hill and then final turnaround being erected. The top piece of the camelback hill – the tallest freestanding section of the coaster – was placed in April 2024. Intamin announced in December 2024 that some weeks prior, the final track piece had been fitted into place on top of the drop, just over the edge of the cliff.

Characteristics

Statistics

Falcons Flight is 13,943.6 feet (4,250.0 m) long and will reach a top speed of 155.3 mph (249.9 km/h). The coaster uses the natural cliffs near the park to attain a peak elevation of 639.8 feet (195.0 m) and a drop of 525 feet (160 m), while the tallest freestanding hill is 535 feet (163 m) from ground level and features a 519-foot (158 m) drop.

The coaster will run with six trains, each of which will seat fourteen riders across four cars in rows of two; the front car only has a single row while the others each have two. Falcons Flight's station will feature a dual loading bay, with two separate tracks and platforms to increase throughput.

Falcons Flight utilizes three linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches, each of which propels the train to sequentially higher speeds. The second launch ascending the cliffside will accelerate riders to just over 100 mph (160 km/h), while the final launch on the descent aids the train in achieving the maximum 155.3 mph (249.9 km/h) top speed. The launches are made up of more than 700 LSM modules, about six times the amount used on VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure, another launched roller coaster constructed by Intamin.

Design

A custom wheel manufactured by LUC Group for Falcons Flight

Falcons Flight – dubbed by Intamin as an Exa Coaster – has been designed to withstand both the high speeds incurred and harsh desert climate. For comfort the trains feature lap bars and giant curved windshields per car, protecting riders from airborne sand at high speeds. The trains are fully machined with no welding involved and include rims specifically designed to improve cooling. The wheels were custom designed for the project, measuring 16 inches (41 cm) in diameter and being among the largest ever committed to a coaster (although marginally smaller than those found on Top Thrill 2 at Cedar Point). Falcons Flight's trains also include thirty-five programmable and individually controllable light modules, allowing for enhanced spectator visibility at night.

References

  1. ^ Nagraj, Aarti (August 27, 2019). "In pics: Saudi's new Six Flags park to feature world's fastest, longest roller coaster". Gulf Business. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  2. "Qiddiya Investment Company officially established as standalone company". Arab News. May 21, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  3. "6 Flags park to be built in new Saudi 'entertainment city'". Associated Press. April 9, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  4. Rousseau, Oscar (October 28, 2018). "Saudi Crown Prince meets Six Flags SVP to discuss Qiddiya". Construction Week. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  5. blooloop: Visitor Attraction News (August 27, 2019). "Tallest, Fastest Rollercoaster to be Built: Falcon's Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia". YouTube. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  6. ^ Krivsky, Andrew (January 4, 2021). "Specs and Manufacturer Announced for Falcon's Flight – World's Tallest, Fastest, Longest Roller Coaster". limitlesspark.com. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  7. Ralph, Owen (January 30, 2020). "Six Flags Qiddiya to bring year-round thrills to Saudi Arabia". Blooloop. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  8. "Saudi Arabia/Liechtenstein: Start of Design Process for Six Flags' "Falcon's Flight" Superlative Coaster". EuroProfessional Magazine. January 12, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  9. ^ "Intamin unveil huge coaster vehicle for Falcon's Flight, Six Flags Qiddiya at IAAPA Expo in Orlando". gottagoorlando.com. November 15, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  10. Indrivetech AG (January 12, 2023). "Soon it will be time to keep your fingers crossed!". LinkedIn. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  11. ^ Hardy, Rebecca (November 21, 2023). "Intamin reveals details of Falcons Flight at Six Flags Qiddiya". Blooloop. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  12. Dadlani, Disha (December 13, 2021). "Saudi Almabani and BBI win $1bn contract for Six Flags Qiddiya". Construction Week. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  13. "Site Operations Manager 100%(M/W/D)" (PDF). Intamin Amusement Rides Int. Corp. Est. 2022. p. 1. For supporting us in a large scale and iconic project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), we are looking for a Site Operations Manager
  14. aerocoasters (May 15, 2023). "Some very interesting things..." Instagram. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  15. @themeparX (April 6, 2023). "Major milestone at Six Flags Qiddiya as track is now being installed for..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  16. sadeeq1212 (April 22, 2024). "SADEEQ DGKHAN". TikTok. Retrieved December 19, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. Intamin (December 12, 2024). "Intamin". Facebook. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  18. ^ Marden, Duane. "Falcons Flight  (Six Flags Qiddiya City)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  19. AmusementInsider (November 14, 2023). "FALCON'S FLIGHT Reveal + Details! Six Flags' Record-SHATTERING Roller Coaster". YouTube. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  20. Marden, Duane. "VelociCoaster  (Universal Studios Islands of Adventure)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 4 January 2025.
  21. "Top Thrill 2 opens and shatters records". Amusement Today. May 3, 2024. Retrieved December 19, 2024.

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