Tatsu Flying Roller Coaster Unleashed At Six Flags Magic Mountain

Article written by:
Eric Gieszl, Editor

Valencia, CA -- Six Flags celebrating 45 years of thrills today unleashed a new thrill ride at its ultimate thrill park Magic Mountain. Tatsu a new "flying" roller coaster soars into the theme park as the tallest, fastest and longest coaster of its kind.

This one-of-a-kind flying beast takes the coaster riding experience to the next generation according to Six Flags. Tatsu also dramatically changes Six Flags Magic Mountain's skyline situated high atop the mountain in an area called Samurai Summit.

Riders will brave a never been done before completely integrated flight pattern – up, down, over and through – the park's distinct mountainous terrain without nothing but the sky above and the ground below. Guests ride the Tatsu roller coaster in a unique "horizontal to earth" flying position.

"Six Flags is known world-wide as the industry leader in next generation thrills and Six Flags Magic Mountain leads the pack always adding the biggest and the best," stated Del Holland, Vice President and General Manager of Six Flags California. "There's no better way to commemorate Six Flags' 45th anniversary than to continue to live up to our reputation - to offer a stunning one-of-a-kind thrill experience that can't be duplicated anywhere in the world!"

The ride experience on Tatsu begins when park guests board sleek dragon-themed vehicles. A unique restraint system secures riders so they can hoisted into a flying position, horizontal with the ground below.

With arms stretched forward, feet trailing behind and eyes intensely focused on the landscape Tatsu begins with a climb up the 170-foot tall lift. Once reaching the crest, riders will fly like never before, plummeting straight down the mountain, soaring over Roaring Rapids, before entering a sharp 180-degree turn back up the hillside to round Magic Mountain's landmark Sky Tower.

Tatsu then continues as riders race up and down the mountainous terrain, darting in-and-out of looming trees, blazing over the tops of four inversions while dodging park attractions like Ninja, Orient Express, Revolution and Roaring Rapids.

Riders fly at speed in excess of 62 mph on Tatsu through a series of plunges, sweeping spirals, dives and loops, and high-speed banked curves all deliberately designed to enhance the ultimate sensation of flight. Tatsu end-to-end is 3,602 feet long and much of the track is barely visible as it's intertwined through the mountainside.

During the two minute flight riders will face a dramatic 263-foot change in elevation from its highest peak to inches off the ground. The attraction also spans four separate areas of the park.

Six Flags based the roller coaster's theme on the myth and legend of a great Japanese dragon. The story continues when Tatsu comes to life when riders board its wings and fly at the speed of fear.

Tatsu is one of Six Flags largest capital investments in recent years. To build the roller coaster Six Flags hired coaster design experts, Bolliger & Mabillard of Switzerland. With the addition of Tatsu the park's 17th roller coaster, Six Flags Magic Mountain claims they have more roller coasters than any other theme park on Earth.

It's an impressive collection and for thrill-seekers Tatsu continues the park's long tradition of offering next generation thrill rides.