| For similarly-named attractions, see Batwing. |
- "Fly like a bat. We provide the wings."
- ―Tagline[src]
Batwing Coaster is a steel flying roller coaster located in the Gotham City area at Six Flags America. It opened on June 16, 2001, and was manufactured by Vekoma as a Flying Dutchman model, one of 3 that were ever built.
It is themed to Batman's personal plane, the Batwing (also known as the Batplane), which has appeared in DC Comics since 1939.
History[]
Opening[]
The ride opened originally opened as Batwing on June 16, 2001.
Ride experience[]
Pre-Show Audio[]
Until the start of the 2020 season, there was a specific pre-show audio announcement that would set the scene for the attraction.
"Announcer: Welcome to the Batwing flight training deck. You've been selected to pilot our new FD test plane. Please stand-by while we conference in Wayne Enterprises head of R&D, Lucius Fox. (DIAL TONE) Mr. Fox?
Batman: Lucius, I need the Batwing now!
Lucius: What's going down Mr. Wayne?
Batman: It's The Joker. I'm going after him.
Announcer: It appears we have a change of plans, we have reports of a current attack by the Joker. The following news clip was just aired on WSFA just moments ago.
Reporter: Hello, this is Robin Smith with WSFA reporting live at Gotham's Newest public works project, Thomas Landing. It's just a beautiful day-
Joker: Well hello beautiful.
Reporter: Get your hands off me!
Joker: A little fight in you, I like that! Alright so listen why don't you give me a call, and we can start taking things a little more seriously.
Announcer: Batman needs your help to save Gotham City from The Joker! Please secure any and all loose articles. Your mission is critical, and loose articles are not permitted on board, and may not be left on the flight deck!
Lucius: Perhaps you should read the instructions first.
Announcer: Once the crew has opened the gates, quickly board your row and suit up. Please place your arms through your flight harness and buckle up! Do not! I repeat do not pull down on the lap bar. Your flight deck crew will secure it for you, as we conduct our pre-launch safety checks. Time is of the essence, the safety of Gotham City rests with you. Good luck pilots and enjoy your flight on the Batwing!"
On Ride[]
Once riders are seated and restrained, the train tilts backwards into a 'lay-down' position and dispatches. The train travels backwards out of the station, turns left and travels up the 115-foot (35 m) lift hill at a 33 degree angle. Once the train reaches the top of the lift hill, it dips down into a twist (called a "Lie-to-Fly") that turns the trains upside down into a flying position where riders face the ground. After the twist, the train travels down the first drop, reaching speeds of 51 mph (82 km/h). Riders then go through an over banked Horseshoe Curve element. Following the Horseshoe, the train enters a "Fly-to-Lie" element that turns riders back to a lay-down position. After the banked turn, the ride enters the 66-foot (20 m) tall vertical loop, where riders experience 4.3 G's. The train then goes into another "Lie-to-Fly" element. Following the loop, riders go through another turn and then hit two consecutive inline twists. Following the inline twists, the train enters the final helix. After the helix, riders hit the final "Fly-to-Lie" element and the train is slowed down on the brake run.
Characteristics[]
Track[]
The steel track is approximately 3,340 feet (1,020 m) in length and the height of the lift is approximately 115 feet (35 m).
Batwing has a total of five inversions. It features one vertical loop, two inline twists, two "Lie to Fly" and two "Fly to Lie" elements. Each "Lie to Fly" and "Fly to Lie" element is counted as a half inversion. A "Lie to Fly" element is when riders are on their backs, facing the sky and they are flipped and face the ground. A "Fly to Lie" element is the opposite.
Trains[]
Batwing currently operates with two trains. Each train has six cars that have four seats in a single row for a total of 24 riders. It originally operated with three trains but was reduced to two in 2007. Riders are secured by a vest over the chest and a lap bar.
Gallery[]
External links[]
- Batwing Coaster - Six Flags America official webpage at Six Flags
- Batwing - Six Flags America (archived 2007-01-24, 2001-08-02)
Batwing at the Roller Coaster DataBase- Batwing Coaster at the Roller Coaster Wiki
- Batwing (roller coaster) at Wikipedia
