- "Fly at the speed of fear."
- ―Tagline[src]
Tatsu is a flying coaster located in Samurai Summit at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It opened on May 13, 2006, and was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.
It is the world's tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, as well as the only flying roller coaster to feature a zero-gravity roll, and has the world's highest pretzel loop.
History[]
Announcement & construction[]
Rumors of a new roller coaster being built at Six Flags Magic Mountain first emerged in the summer of 2004.[1] Land clearing in Samurai Summit began in mid-2005, with track for the new roller coaster later beginning to arrive from Ohio. Construction permits filed by Six Flags Magic Mountain as well as a trademark for the name "Tatsu" (filed on August 23, 2005) were later found by the public.[1][2][3]
Tatsu was officially announced to the public on November 17, 2005.[4]
Both Revolution and Roaring Rapids were temporarily closed in order for the roller coaster to be built.[2]
Opening ceremony[]
Tatsu's media day was on May 11, 2006, with hundreds of fans staying at the park overnight to be among the first riders ever on the coaster and witness its opening ceremonies for the ride at 8:00 AM.
The opening ceremonies began with a few words from Six Flags Magic Mountain general manager Del Holland, followed by a speech from Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro outlining his plans for the company.
Two screens on either side of the stage showed riders waiting in Tatsu's trains, and after Del Holland struck the gong on stage, the ride officially opened. As the coaster went through its first inversion, fireworks and confetti went off.
After construction and testing was complete, Tatsu opened to the public on May 13, 2006.
Tatsu broke several records upon its opening. The roller coaster is the world's tallest, fastest, and longest flying roller coaster. The roller coaster also holds the record for the highest pretzel loop which is high and is currently the only Flying roller coaster to have a zero-gravity roll.[5][6]
In summer 2018, LED lights were installed on the wheels of Tatsu's trains, giving the illusion that they're on fire.
Experience[]
Queue[]
Guests first pass underneath the entrance sign and enter the queue. On the left side is an extended queue area that winds around vending machines and a snack shack. The first section of the queue features several switchback sections in shaded areas. This will be followed by winding pathways. As guests get closer to the station, there is a staircase on the hillside. The staircase will lead directly to the loading station.
Layout[]
After riders board the train situated in a vertical, standing position, each car then pivots its seats backward 90 degrees, transitioning riders into a horizontal flying position. The train then dispatches from the station, makes a slight s-bend turn toward the 170-foot chain lift hill. After reaching the top, riders descend 111 feet through a downward right turn reaching a maximum speed of 62 mph. This is followed by an upward right turn into the first inversion, a 103-foot-tall corkscrew. This leads into a downward left turn immediately followed by an upward left turn, and then the train enters a 96-foot zero-gravity roll. Riders then experience a sharp drop followed by an 80-foot horseshoe element. The train makes a left turn and enters a record-breaking 124-foot pretzel loop. This is followed by a slight left turn leading into an inline twist and a 135-degree downward right turn. The train rises back up slightly, leveling out and entering a mid-course brake run. Another series of turns follows, with the train veering downward and then upward to the left, ending at the final brake run and returning to the station. One cycle of the ride lasts approximately two minutes.
Trivia[]
- Tatsu was mentioned in a sketch by Shayne Topp in Smosh Pit's Try Not To Laugh Challenge #34.
Gallery[]
Videos[]
Opening ceremony photos[]
Exterior photos[]
Layout photos[]
References[]
See also[]
- El Toro, a wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure and another "Species of Fear".
