Kingda Ka

Kingda Ka is a hydraulically-launched steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, United States. Manufactured by Intamin and designed by Werner Stengel, Kingda Ka opened as the in the world on May 21, 2005, surpassing Top Thrill Dragster. It is the second strata coaster ever built, exceeding in height, and the last to remain in operation after Top Thrill Dragster closed in 2021. Both share similar designs, although Kingda Ka's layout adds an airtime hill on the return portion of the track. The ride features a hydraulic launch mechanism which accelerates the train to in 3.5 seconds. Its top hat tower element stands at , cementing Kingda Ka as the tallest roller coaster in the world, although its speed record was broken in 2010 by Formula Rossa at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. History On September 29, 2004, it was announced that Kingda Ka would be added to the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in 2005. This announcement occurred at an event held for roller coaster enthusiasts and the media. The event revealed the park's goal to build "the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth", reaching and accelerating up to in 3.5 seconds. The ride would be part of the Golden Kingdom, an themed area being developed at Six Flags Great Adventure. Six Flags CEO Kieran Burke said: "This is the first step in a process of really transforming Six Flags Great Adventure from the largest regional theme park in the world to a true regional destination." Intamin subcontracted Stakotra to assist with construction. On January 13, 2005, workers completed Kingda Ka's tower with a topping out ceremony. For the ceremony, one 50-story crane was used to hoist two workers to the top of the ride; another crane lifted a steel beam, with an American flag, to the ride's pinnacle. The ride was still under construction when the park opened for the season in March 2005. The attraction was originally scheduled to open on April 23, 2005, but its opening was delayed to May 21, as the park stated that more time was needed to complete testing. A media event was held two days prior on May 19, 2005.