Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain is a steel flying roller coaster that offers a thrilling and unique ride experience. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), Tatsu opened in 2006 and holds the title of the tallest, fastest, and longest flying coaster in the world. It stands at 170 feet tall and reaches speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. The ride features a layout with dramatic dives, twists, and turns, giving riders the sensation of soaring through the air like a dragon. The coaster includes several inversions, including its signature 124-foot-tall pretzel loop, where riders experience intense G-forces. Tatsu’s unique flying position, where riders are suspended face down, enhances the thrill as it provides panoramic views of the park and the surrounding landscape. With its combination of speed, height, and exhilarating maneuvers, Tatsu remains one of the standout attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Tatsu is exciting for several reasons:
- Flying Position: Unlike traditional coasters, Tatsu seats riders in a face-down, flying position, which creates a unique sensation of soaring through the air. This positioning adds an extra thrill, as riders experience the sensation of flight, giving them a "superhero" feeling.
- Height and Speed: Tatsu's towering height of 170 feet and maximum speed of 62 miles per hour provide an adrenaline rush. The coaster offers sweeping drops and fast-paced turns, combining both intensity and smoothness, which heightens the excitement.
- Pretzel Loop: The ride's signature element, the 124-foot pretzel loop, is one of the most intense inversions on any roller coaster. Riders plunge headfirst, experiencing powerful G-forces as they flip onto their backs and then back into the flying position. This element delivers a stomach-dropping thrill and is a highlight of the ride.
- Scenic Views: Tatsu's elevated track snakes through hills and trees, offering breathtaking views of Six Flags Magic Mountain and the surrounding area. The sensation of gliding above the park enhances the thrill and immerses riders in the experience.
- Smooth Maneuvering: Tatsu is designed to offer smooth and fluid transitions between its twists, turns, and inversions. This smoothness allows riders to fully enjoy the dynamic range of sensations, from weightlessness to high G-forces, adding to the ride's excitement without causing discomfort.
The combination of unique flying position, dramatic elements, and scenic glides makes Tatsu an exhilarating experience for roller coaster enthusiasts.
Tatsu is a thrilling flying roller coaster that simulates the sensation of flight, as riders are suspended in a prone position facing downward throughout the ride. Opened in 2006, it features an intense 3,602-foot-long track with numerous twists, turns, and inversions, including a massive pretzel loop, offering both exhilarating speed and high G-forces. Its elevated track allows for breathtaking views of the park and surroundings, adding to the ride's excitement and reputation as one of the best flying coasters in the world.