This amazing roller coaster is in my top 3 rides in the UK. It's an exact replica of the layout of Kingda Ka, currently the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, to be found in Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey, USA.
Unlike most coasters which are gravity driven (the car is lifted to the top of the first hill and gravity takes it round), Stealth is one of the few cable launched coasters (like the catapult on an aircraft carrier) in the country - it wasn't the first; that honour belongs to RITA:Queen of Speed in Alton Towers.
Stealth is however the fastest coaster in the UK. You are launched from 0 to 80mph in under 2 seconds along a straight track. Then the car goes up vertically 205 feet, back down 205 feet, then over little bunny hill before coming to an abrupt stop.
After what can be a long wait, the ride is over in around 10 seconds but let me assure you that 10 seconds is an amazing compressed adrenaline rush. The feeling of acceleration along the track is like having a wind powered face lift. In the vertical phase, you feel like you're in the space shuttle as it is launched. The drop sensation on the downward section is surprisingly muted and the abrupt stop brings hysterical laughter to a lot of riders, the sign of a good ride.
It's one of the few rides I prefer to ride at the front but it's worthwile having that unobstructed view of the launch and rising phases. Also a top tip - use the single rider queue!!
I'm not sure why they call it Stealth - the superstructure is visible from all around the park and the launch is nothing short of sensational! read more