Saudi Arabia's newest superlative: The world's largest, fastest, and longest roller coaster

"The record-breaking Falcons Flight roller coaster starts out slow, but don't be fooled. Seconds into the ride at the new Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia, passengers are jolted into a high-speed journey that ascends mountainsides, passes through dark tunnels, and then does it all over again. The ride reaches a height of nearly 640 feet, lasts for nearly 3.5 minutes, and travels more than 2.6 miles."

"Falcons Flight holds the speed, height, and length records for roller coasters, according to Intamin Amusement Rides, the Liechtenstein-based company that designed it. Founded in 1967, the company's work spans from monorails in Moscow to an observation tower in Argentina, and includes what it claims was the world's first "giant drop" ride in 1995. It says its newest roller coaster is part of "a commitment to pushing boundaries.""

"Intamin's linear synchronous motors (LSM) drive system gives Falcons Flight an edge in terms of engineering. LSMs use electro-magnetic propulsion to move the ride forward through permanent magnets on the coaster train and electromagnets on the tracks. That's different from other methods, like an old-school chain lift pulled by a motor, or a hydraulic launch. With LSMs, a moving magnetic field pulls the train forward."

Falcons Flight accelerates from a slow start into a high-speed journey that ascends mountainsides, passes through dark tunnels, and repeats those elements. The coaster reaches nearly 640 feet, runs for nearly 3.5 minutes, and travels more than 2.6 miles at peak speeds around 155 mph. The ride holds world records for height, speed, and length. Intamin Amusement Rides of Liechtenstein designed the coaster and used its powerful linear synchronous motor (LSM) electro-magnetic propulsion system to launch and sustain high speeds. Intamin's portfolio includes monorails in Moscow, an observation tower in Argentina, and a 1995 'giant drop' ride. Six Flags Qiddiya City also hosts other record attractions, including the world's tallest inversion and tallest pendulum ride, and Saudi Arabia canceled plans for the Line.

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