| model = [[Accelerator Coaster]]
| model = [[Accelerator Coaster]]
| track =
| track =
| lift = [[Hydraulic]] [[launch track]]
| lift = [[Hydraulic ]]
| height_m = 62.5
| height_m = 62.5
| drop_m = <!–Must be expressed in metres and may contain only numeric characters.–>
| drop_m = <!–Must be expressed in metres and may contain only numeric characters.–>
Steel launched roller coaster
Stealth is a launched roller coaster in the Amity area of Thorpe Park located in Surrey, England. Built and designed by Intamin of Switzerland for £12 million, the Accelerator Coaster model opened in 2006 as the fastest roller coaster in the UK before being passed by Hyperia in 2024. It is the fastest accelerating coaster in the world going from 0-80mph in 1.8 seconds. It is also the third tallest in the UK after Hyperia and The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.[2] It reaches a height of 62.5 metres (205 ft) and accelerates from 0 to 80 mph (129 km/h).[3] Riders experience a maximum of 4.7 g.[4]
As the train enters the loading platform, a pre-boarding announcement plays with boarding instructions for riders to secure their
restraints as the gates open soon after the train parks.
In the background plays noises of a car engine revving with sounds of the pit crew performing maintenance on the vehicle.
A voice instructs riders to “Place your heads back, face forwards, hold on tight and brace yourselves!”
Once boarding is complete the launch sequence is started, the train rolls forward and then backwards to engage onto the catch-car below while the brake fins on the launch track retract in two stages, the launch countdown plays with the voice instructing riders to place their heads back and to face forwards, 5 sets of red traffic lights above the train start illuminating one by one. The traffic lights then turn green, the voice enthusiastically shouts “Go, Go, Go!” and the train is launched, rapidly accelerating from 0 to 80 mph (130 km/h).
The train goes up the 62.5-metre (205 ft) top hat, turning 90 degrees to the left. After cresting the top hat, it turns 90 degrees to the left again, before reaching the bottom of the top hat and the final airtime hill. After cresting the airtime hill, the train enters the brake run, slowing down before entering the unload station with riders being instructed to undo their seatbelts.[5]
The ride’s layout is similar to Kingda Ka, although narrower in scope.
During previous events a different launch announcements was used:
- During Carnival, the countdown was done in the style of a Carnival display
- During Oktoberfest, the countdown was done in German.
- During Fright Nights, a more spooky announcement was used.
Intamin roller coasters with a top hat element, such as Stealth, may experience an occasional rollback. This occurs when a launched train fails to make it over the top hat element, and it is usually caused by the slowing of the train due to unfavorable weather conditions including colder temperatures, strong winds, and precipitation. The launch track is equipped with retractable brake fins that deploy after a train is launched, able to stop the train if it returns due to a rollback. The train will then be launched a second time with enough power to clear the top hat. After a rollback occurs, the capacity of each train may be restricted until conditions improve.[6]
For the 2024 season, Stealth’s station and entrance areas were completely repainted and the theming has been enhanced as part of the Sparkle Project, an ongoing scheme to give the park a facelift.[7]
