The world's first exa coaster is designed to be seen from space
In short: Rising above the Tuwaiq cliffs in Saudi Arabia, Falcons Flight is a record-breaking marvel. It is the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster on Earth, utilizing massive linear synchronous motor launches to propel riders through a desert landscape at incredible speeds.
Opened on December 31, 2025, at Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh Province, Falcons Flight represents a massive leap in theme park engineering. Manufactured by Intamin, the steel coaster is classified as the world's first 'exa coaster.' Its scale is immense: the track stretches 4,250 meters, and its height reaches 163 meters at the largest camelback hill. The ride's footprint is so expansive that it can be viewed from space. The attraction features an elevation change of 195 metres. It is designed to interact with a nearby F1 race track.
To achieve its record-breaking speeds, the coaster employs three linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches. The system uses more than 700 LSM modules—roughly six times the number used on Universal Islands of Adventure's VelociCoaster. By using these launches, the train accelerates through various speeds, reaching a maximum of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) and outperforming earlier benchmarks such as Formula Rossa. The second launch propels the train up the cliffs at 160 km/h. This sequence includes a 90-degree drop into a tunnel.
Engineering for the harsh desert climate required specialized design choices. The trains feature curved windshields to protect passengers from airborne sand and custom-designed 16-inch wheels. The chassis is fully machined without welding, and the rims are specifically engineered to improve cooling. This ensures the ride can withstand both the extreme high speeds and the intense environmental conditions of the Saudi Arabian desert. Each of the six trains carries fourteen passengers. These vehicles include thirty-five programmable light modules for nighttime visibility.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Falcons Flight
- Also: Wikidata — Falcons Flight · CC0
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