Rapterra Construction Updates
Kings Dominion
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Welcome to the Rapterra construction update page! On this page, we're going to share progress as we build the world's tallest and longest launched wing coaster.
Scroll down this page to see each update. Our most recent posts will be at the top.
In addition to this page, check out the Rapterra playlist on our YouTube channel, where you can watch the Rapterra Report - our video series on building this legendary bird of prey.
February 21, 2025
The anticipation is building! Rapterra, the world record-breaking launched wing coaster, is set to open to the public on March 29, Kings Dominion’s 2025 Opening Day. Silver, Gold, and Prestige Passholders will have the opportunity to conquer the skies during an exclusive preview night on Friday, March 28.
While the Kings Dominion Operations and Maintenance teams are working diligently through the commissioning process to make sure Rapterra is ready to welcome guests, construction crews are wrapping up the final pieces of the tallest and longest launched wing coaster in the world by adding fun details, theming elements, and landscaping components. Here’s a first look at what guests will experience on opening day.
As guests cross Rapterra’s entryway, they’re greeted by the beautifully sculpted sign of the jungle hawk looming over the Jungle X-Pedition midway like the mythical bird of prey. Styled to resemble the architecture of the ancient culture that built the animal temples in the Jungle X-Pedition area, the sign calls to adventurers like a bird screeching above.
An artist's rendering of Rapterra's entrance portal.
The entrance for Rapterra begins at the Research Center portal. Riders step through an entryway and are transported into a lush, uncharted jungle habitat. Emerging from the entry portal, riders gain a full view of Rapterra’s layout at the same moment a train car speeds through the 145-foot wingover and dive loop in front of them with riders emitting a jungle hawk cry.
Rapterra flies over and above guests' heads as they trek onward.
Continuing past the entry portal, riders find themselves standing on an ancient, well-worn jungle trail. As they continue onward through the broken track riders discover a massive caldera crater leftover from the collapsing of the Mount Inferna Volcano, the site of the jungle hawk temple.
Work progresses on the fallen jungle hawk temple.
A little further on, riders find themselves in an active archeological dig site, where scientists are busy unearthing remains of the Jungle Hawk temple as they attempt to study the ancient civilization that built the temple. Statues honoring the bird of prey stand sentinel as guests pass beneath them on their way to the Rapterra station, and it’s here that the jungle trail diverges, offering guests the option of which wing to sit on during the ride.
The station is surrounded by anicent ruins and sculptures.
At the station, riders find themselves in the heart of an ancient temple, the home of a mysterious device that allows them to take on the abilities and powers of the mysterious jungle hawk. After securing themselves in the device, Rapterra launches guests through the rubble and remains of the once proud temple. Arches with ancient writings, markings, and symbols of the legendary jungle hawk span over the ride’s launch as guests take flight 145 ft. over the Jungle X-Pedition midway.
Riders fly past arches on their 65mph launch.
Once their ride on Rapterra is complete, guests will exit via a second jungle trail and find themselves inside the Research Center, where further nods to Rapterra are incorporated into the decor and architecture. Here, guests will see photos of themselves in flight on Rapterra and purchase wares from the ancients to commemorate their soaring adventure.
December 19, 2024
Exciting news! Rapterra has officially completed its very first test run, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming one of the most thrilling rides at the park. Since that first launch, engineers have been working tirelessly to cycle the ride nonstop and ensure that every aspect of the coaster is ready for its anticipated opening in 2025. However, there’s still more work to be done before it can officially be handed over to the park’s maintenance and operations team.
Countdown to Hand-off
Engineers must ensure the ride accumulates a certain number of hours in operation, not just cycles, in order to meet full operating standards. Trains are cycling continuously at maximum speed of 65 miles per hour, and every hour spent operating gets the ride one step closer to finalizing the ride’s safety and functionality.
Off-ride Elements
While the engineering team focuses on perfecting the ride itself, other key elements of the attraction are also taking shape. The station’s steel framework is continuing to be installed, with railings beginning to appear around the boarding area. Meanwhile, the queue line is also being graded and paved. The Research Center is in the middle of major enhancements as it transforms itself from a loading station into the Rapterra exit shop.
Landscaping has begun taking shape as well, and the area around the ride is starting to look lush with different types of plants. Crews are tidying up the surrounding zones and planting greenery that will give the attraction a more immersive, natural jungle feel. Whether it's a low zone near the track or the elevated areas around the ride, each detail is being carefully considered to create an immersive experience.
As part of the ongoing work, brand new light posts are being installed around the ride. These light posts will not only help illuminate the area for nighttime rides, but they’ll also enhance the overall atmosphere, making the Rapterra experience just as spectacular after sunset.
With each passing day, Rapterra is coming closer to its official launch for riders. From the technical refinements to the aesthetic additions, every element is coming together in preparation for what promises to be an incredible ride.
On top of all the exciting news, Flight of Fear is being integrated into the Jungle X-Pedition area of the park with new colors supporting the Whey Foundation research. More to come on Jungle X-Pedition enhancements at a later date.
Stay tuned for more updates as we countdown to the anticipated spring 2025 opening!
September 13, 2024
We have exciting news! The very first shipment of coaches for Rapterra’s trains have arrived! Each coach weighs around 2,500 lbs. (that’s a lot of wing power!)
As the coaches continue to arrive in shipments, each train will have to be put together and assembled with the associated parts from manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard.
Stay tuned in the coming months as we’ll share the look of our two Rapterra trains (some assembly required)!
In case you haven’t heard, on September 6 at 3:07 PM, the final piece - element 76 - was bolted into place - completing Rapterra and bringing it full-circuit.
In total, it took 81 days from the moment the first piece of track was installed all the way to the last piece of 3,086 ft of roller coaster track! With the final piece in place, it now officially holds the record of world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster.
The crew now turns their attention to the construction of the station and maintenance bays, as well as installing miles of electrical cables and equipment. While vertical construction won’t be as visible, rest assured that this bird is on track for takeoff in 2025.
August 6, 2024
Following the exciting announcement of Rapterra, it’s time to launch into our construction update.
Construction began in January 2024, and has been progressing swiftly. Fencing was placed throughout Jungle X-Pedition to allow the construction team to groom the former Volcano: The Blast Coaster site and start digging footers in the midway.
Guests noticed large boxes throughout the area when we opened for the season covering those footers. The fence was eventually moved to allow access to Reptilian and the midway around Tumbili. Then, mysterious Jungle Hawk temple symbols appeared on the fencing overnight in late May. In mid-June, massive talon marks appeared on the fences, accompanying the symbols.
Meanwhile, sections of track began showing up in our parking lot holding area in early June. Behind the fence, the construction team installed the first pieces of track on June 18.
76 total pieces of track will make up this record-breaking ride, all manufactured from Clermont Steel Fabricators in Ohio. The ride’s designer, Bolliger & Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland, creates some of the best roller coasters in the world. Some of these include our very own Dominator, Cedar Point’s GateKeeper, and Carowinds’ Fury 325.
The construction crews quickly completed the launch section of track, and electricians are busy connecting the wiring to operate all of the linear synchronous motors that will launch the train forward at 65 miles per hour in under four seconds! This will be the very first Kings Dominion roller coaster to use LSMs to launch riders. Flight of Fear, Backlot Stunt Coaster, and the former Volcano: The Blast Coaster used linear induction motors. The difference? LIMs use inductors to propel the fins under the roller coaster trains forwards, while LSMs use electromagnets.
In late July, construction made its way onto the midway and the tallest point of the ride – the 145ft Wingover turn – was topped off! Crews worked hard overnight during midway construction so as not to disrupt daily operations. Luckily, we were there to capture the moment!
Shortly after completing the highest point, the construction team completed the 119ft Dive Loop element – the first inversion of three on your 89-second journey through temple ruins. The S-Turn and Wing Slide are nearing completion, so be sure to stay tuned for future blog updates!