Kings Dominion announced plans today to open Rapterra, a Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) launched wing coaster, in 2025 for the park’s 50th anniversary season. Touted as the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster, Rapterra will feature a 0-65 mph launch, a 145-foot-tall wingover and over 3,000 feet of track.
© Kings Dominion
The B&M wing coaster positions riders on either side of the track, offering a floorless experience that simulates flying. The coaster’s color scheme will include basalt grey support columns and patina green track.
Rapterra Stats at a Glance
- Height: 145 feet
- Speed: 65 mph
- Length: 3,086 feet
- Ride time: 1:29
- Inversions: 3 (dive loop, flat-spin corkscrew, 360-degree raptor roll)
- Trains: 2 trains (5 rows of 4 seats per train)
Rapterra begins with a turn out of the station, which leads to a 0-65 mph launch in four seconds. The 20-seat trains will maneuver a 145-foot-tall wingover element over the Jungle X-Pedition (the area of Kings Dominion in which Rapterra will be located). The coaster’s layout also features elements such as an S-turn, wing slide, flat spin, airtime hill and a 360-degree raptor roll.
© Kings Dominion
Rapterra Backstory
Kings Dominion shared an elaborate backstory for Rapterra, the name of which is inspired by the “powerful Jungle Hawk.”
Centuries ago, ancient leaders built a shrine to honor the mighty Jungle Hawk. People who entered the shrine became spiritually linked to—and temporarily possessed—the powers and abilities of the bird of prey. Building the temple at the base of a volcano, Mt. Inferna, proved unfortunate. The ground surrounding the magma chamber collapsed, burying the Jungle Hawk temple under mounds of volcanic rock. The temple seemingly vanished from the earth. Archaeologists recently discovered the volcanic site and unearthed the remains of the Jungle Hawk shrine. The bird’s ferocious spirit remains at the site, launching brave riders to exhilarating new heights.
© Kings Dominion
Rapterra Wing Coaster On-Ride POV Animation
Take a virtual ride on Rapterra below:
Rapterra Off-Ride Animation
“We are excited to unveil Rapterra, the must-do ride of 2025, at Kings Dominion,” said Bridgette Bywater, vice president and general manager of Kings Dominion.
“This extraordinary addition promises new thrills for our guests, making it the perfect centerpiece for our 50th-anniversary celebration and reaffirming why Kings Dominion is the ultimate destination for unforgettable memories and exhilarating excitement.”
Rapterra construction is underway and is expected to be completed this fall. The coaster’s 2025 opening will coincide with Kings Dominion’s 50th anniversary celebration.
© Kings Dominion
To learn more, visit the Kings Dominion website.
What do you think about Rapterra? Let us know in the comments section below!
Looks like a awesome addition. Very long layout looks like good moments of speed and grace. I am worried about the sideways stall, I don’t like hanging sideways but maybe it will ride nice. It is likely going to need a lot of nets under the ride to protect all the walkways. But nothing some shade structures can’t fix!