X Flight, located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, is a steel wing coaster designed by the renowned coaster manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M). Known for its innovative layout, this ride offers a unique experience with its “winged” seats, which extend outward from the track, giving riders the feeling of flight as they soar through twists, loops, and drops. As one of the park’s most popular attractions, X Flight is a must-ride for thrill-seekers visiting Six Flags Great America.
The Concept and Design
Opened in 2012, X Flight was one of the first wing coasters in the United States and quickly became a fan favorite for its smooth ride, minimal headbanging, and breathtaking near-miss elements. Unlike traditional roller coasters, where seats are positioned above or below the track, X Flight’s seats are located on either side of the track with no track above or below the riders. This design innovation provides an unobstructed view and creates the sensation of flying through the air, enhancing the thrill factor.
The coaster's design is themed to simulate a fighter jet taking off on a mission. The immersive experience begins even before riders board, with the station featuring hangar-style architecture and detailed theming, including various aviation-inspired decorations. Once strapped into the open-wing seats, riders find themselves dangling off the side, completely exposed and feeling a rush of excitement before the train even moves.
Ride Experience
The journey starts as the train climbs a 120-foot lift hill, offering a brief moment to catch your breath and take in the view of the park below. As you crest the top, the real thrill begins with a dramatic dive drop, where the train flips 180 degrees before plummeting down in a half-loop motion, creating a weightless sensation. This element alone sets the tone for the ride, providing an adrenaline-pumping start.
From there, X Flight takes riders through a series of thrilling elements, including:
- A Zero-G Roll: Immediately after the initial drop, the train twists through a zero-gravity roll, giving riders the sensation of floating as they spin through the inversion.
- Immelmann Loop: Named after a classic aerial maneuver, this element involves a half-loop followed by a half-twist, turning riders upside down and offering intense airtime.
- In-Line Twist: One of the ride’s signature elements, this twist is accentuated by a near-miss effect as the train threads through a control tower, making it feel like riders will graze the structure.
The Near-Miss Elements
What truly sets X Flight apart are its expertly placed near-miss elements. As the train glides through the course, it seems to narrowly avoid various obstacles, including support beams, themed structures, and a giant red-and-white control tower. These moments heighten the thrill by tricking the eye into believing a collision is imminent, only for the train to whisk away at the last second.
The most notable of these near-misses is the keyhole structure, a narrow opening formed by two vertical walls that the train flies through after an in-line twist. This jaw-dropping element never fails to elicit gasps from first-time riders and veterans alike, as it feels almost impossible that the train will fit through the small opening without clipping the edges.
Specifications
- Type: Steel Wing Coaster
- Manufacturer: Bolliger & Mabillard
- Opened: May 16, 2012
- Height: 120 feet
- Track Length: 3,000 feet
- Top Speed: 55 mph
- Inversions: 5
- Duration: 1 minute, 15 seconds
- Max G-Force: 4.0 Gs
- Train Configuration: 2 trains, with 7 cars per train, each car seating 4 riders in a 2x2 formation.
Accessibility and Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, X Flight has several rider requirements. Guests must be at least 54 inches tall to ride, and due to the open-wing design, larger riders may need to use a test seat before queuing. The ride’s restraint system consists of over-the-shoulder harnesses and seatbelts, keeping riders secure throughout the intense maneuvers.
Fun Facts
- The Ride's Color Scheme: X Flight’s track features a striking red and grey color scheme, representing the colors often associated with military aircraft.
- Innovative Technology: X Flight utilizes a silent magnetic braking system, which ensures a smooth and quiet stop at the end of the ride.
- Unique Dive Drop: The dive drop element, where the train rotates 180 degrees and dives into the first drop, was one of the first of its kind for a wing coaster in the United States.
X Flight at Six Flags Great America is a perfect blend of thrills, innovation, and scenic design. Its combination of intense inversions, immersive theming, and heart-pounding near-misses make it a standout attraction in the park. Whether you're a seasoned coaster enthusiast or just looking for a ride that will take your breath away, X Flight delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more. The sensation of flying through the air with no track above or below makes X Flight a bucket-list coaster for any adrenaline junkie.
Next time you visit Six Flags Great America, be sure to take a spin on X Flight and experience the thrill of winged flight!
X Flight, located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, is a steel wing coaster designed by the renowned coaster manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M).