Kings Dominion’s new Rapterra coaster enters testing phase

DOSWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- Kings Dominion's new Rapterra wing coaster has entered its testing phase, and officials have provided information about what is being tested as well as updates on the ride's construction. According to Kings Dominion, the 3,086-foot-long Rapterra coaster has entered its testing phase, with the coaster completing its first full circuit test run on Nov. 21. On Monday, Dec. 23, Kings Dominion provided an update about the construction of the Rapterra coaster and what variables are being tested ahead of its expected opening in 2025. Matt Sienko, rides maintenance manager, said the testing phase includes running through the fitment of the ride's components and the layout of electrical parts. "Everything that moves has to be touched, has to be put together. We're double and triple-checking just about everything before we ever even get to launching a coaster," Sienko said. According to Kings Dominion, more than 12 miles of cable were used in the installation of the entire ride system for Rapterra. Renderings of the upcoming Rapterra coaster. (Courtesy of Kings Dominion)Renderings of the upcoming Rapterra coaster. (Courtesy of Kings Dominion)Renderings of the upcoming Rapterra coaster. (Courtesy of Kings Dominion) Weight, temperature, wind speeds, friction and launch speeds are some of the variables that are being tested for the new coaster. Brian Rath, operations director, said the team is opening and closing both the restraints and gates through each testing cycle to ensure that the ride is reliable and consistent. "We want to run this ride, run this ride, run this ride, and make sure that all of the different components that are part of it -- the electrical, the mechanical -- are working the way they are supposed to, and doing so consistently so that the ride is up and running as much as possible," Rath said. According to Kings Dominion, before Rapterra can be certified for public riders, it must complete hundreds of faulty-free dispatches consecutively. RELATED: Kings Dominion gives first look at car for new Rapterra coaster In addition to testing Rapterra's operation, officials said the team is working to construct the ride's queue line, add final landscaping, as well as finish construction on a station house and an exit store.

Dec 25, 2024 - 15:00

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DOSWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- Kings Dominion's new Rapterra wing coaster has entered its testing phase, and officials have provided information about what is being tested as well as updates on the ride's construction.

According to Kings Dominion, the 3,086-foot-long Rapterra coaster has entered its testing phase, with the coaster completing its first full circuit test run on Nov. 21.

On Monday, Dec. 23, Kings Dominion provided an update about the construction of the Rapterra coaster and what variables are being tested ahead of its expected opening in 2025.

Matt Sienko, rides maintenance manager, said the testing phase includes running through the fitment of the ride's components and the layout of electrical parts.

"Everything that moves has to be touched, has to be put together. We're double and triple-checking just about everything before we ever even get to launching a coaster," Sienko said.

According to Kings Dominion, more than 12 miles of cable were used in the installation of the entire ride system for Rapterra.

Renderings of the upcoming Rapterra coaster. (Courtesy of Kings Dominion)

Weight, temperature, wind speeds, friction and launch speeds are some of the variables that are being tested for the new coaster.

Brian Rath, operations director, said the team is opening and closing both the restraints and gates through each testing cycle to ensure that the ride is reliable and consistent.

"We want to run this ride, run this ride, run this ride, and make sure that all of the different components that are part of it -- the electrical, the mechanical -- are working the way they are supposed to, and doing so consistently so that the ride is up and running as much as possible," Rath said.

According to Kings Dominion, before Rapterra can be certified for public riders, it must complete hundreds of faulty-free dispatches consecutively.

In addition to testing Rapterra's operation, officials said the team is working to construct the ride's queue line, add final landscaping, as well as finish construction on a station house and an exit store.