Rapterra

Client: Kings Dominion | Six Flags

Location: Doswell, Virginia

Classification: Steel Launched Wing Coaster
Height: 145 feet
Top Speed: 65 mph
Track Length: 3,086 feet
Capacity: 1,100 riders per hour
Propulsion System: Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) Launch

Winged Flight, Invisible Grid: Because riders sit suspended completely off the sides of the track with nothing but open air above and below them, SHP had to meticulously route all data, sound, and control wiring pathways entirely out of sight within the station and launch tunnel to preserve the pure illusion of flight.

The world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster, Rapterra utilizes an intense, electromagnetic launch to send riders soaring down a wing-coaster track layout. In partnership with TRA Design, SHP delivered comprehensive MEP engineering for the attraction, managing the utility service coordination and designing high-capacity power distribution panels for the ride and site electrical networks. Our team also engineered the underlying pneumatic systems, dedicated data and control wiring pathways, and critical climate-control HVAC systems for the station, maintenance areas, and ride control buildings.

"Engineering the power grid and infrastructure for a massive launch coaster like Rapterra is always a rush, and our team loved figuring out the complex wiring and utility layouts to make it all come together safely."

– Tom Poff, Associate Principal, SHP

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