Blue Hawk (roller coaster) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue Hawk |
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| Previously known as Ninja (1992–2015) Kamikaze (1989–1991) |
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Blue Hawk in 2016
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| Six Flags Over Georgia | |
| Coordinates | 33°45′56″N 84°33′01″W / 33.7656°N 84.5503°W |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | March 1, 1992 |
| Conko's Party Pier | |
| Coordinates | 38°59′20″N 74°48′14″W / 38.989°N 74.804°W |
| Status | {{{status}}} |
| Opening date | 1989 |
| Closing date | 1991 |
| Blue Hawk at Conko's Party Pier at RCDB Pictures of Blue Hawk at Conko's Party Pier at RCDB |
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| General statistics | |
| Type | Steel |
| Manufacturer | Vekoma |
| Model | MK-1200 (Custom) |
| Track layout | Twister |
| Lift/launch system | Chain lift hill |
| Height | 122 ft (37 m) |
| Drop | 109 ft (33 m) |
| Length | 2,742 ft (836 m) |
| Speed | 52 mph (84 km/h) |
| Inversions | 5 |
| Duration | 1:20 |
| Max vertical angle | 48° |
| Capacity | 1300 riders per hour |
| G-force | 4.0 |
| Height restriction | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Trains | 2 trains with 7 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 28 riders per train. |
 Flash Pass Available |
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| Blue Hawk at RCDB | |
Blue Hawk is an exciting steel roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. It was designed by a company called Vekoma. This coaster actually started its life in New Jersey under a different name, Kamikaze. In 1992, it moved to Six Flags Over Georgia and was called Ninja. Back then, it was the tallest roller coaster in the whole park! In 2016, the park gave the ride a big makeover and a new name, which fans helped choose.
Contents
The History of Blue Hawk
From Kamikaze to Ninja
The roller coaster we now know as Blue Hawk first opened in 1989. It was at Hunt's Pier in Wildwood, New Jersey, and its name was Kamikaze.
Later, Six Flags bought the coaster. They moved it all the way to Six Flags Over Georgia. There, it got a new name: Ninja. It opened to the public on March 1, 1992. Ninja was placed in the park's Cotton States section. It became the tallest roller coaster in the park at that time.
A Big Renovation and New Name
In 2016, the ride got a huge upgrade. It didn't open with the rest of the park that season because of the work. The track was painted a bright blue, and its supports became gray. Workers carefully checked and fixed the track to make the ride smoother.
The old ride cars were replaced with brand new ones. These new cars have soft vest restraints, which are more comfortable than the old over-the-shoulder harnesses. Park visitors got to help choose the ride's new name! They voted for one of three options: American Eagle, Air Commander, or Blue Hawk. Over 6,000 people voted. Blue Hawk won, and the ride reopened on June 9, 2016. The new theme for the ride is based on the American military.
Riding Blue Hawk: The Track Layout
Blue Hawk uses two trains, and each train can hold 28 riders. There are seven cars per train, and each car has two rows with two seats. Riders are held safely in place by vest-style restraints.
When your ride begins, the train leaves the station and turns right. It dips down a little before another right turn. Then, it starts climbing the tall 122-foot lift hill.
Once you reach the top, the coaster dives down to the right. It then swoops up into the first big part of the ride: a "butterfly" inversion. This element actually flips you upside down twice!
After the butterfly, the train goes into a wide, curving turn to the left. This sets you up for the third inversion, which is called a "reverse sidewinder."
Next, Blue Hawk climbs a gentle slope and makes a U-turn to the left. This leads into the final exciting part: a "double corkscrew." A corkscrew twists you around like a corkscrew opening a bottle!
After the last inversion, the train banks to the left. It passes very close to the station and goes under the reverse sidewinder. Then, it turns right before entering the main brake run, where the train slows down. Finally, the train leaves the brakes and makes a U-turn to the right, bringing you back to the station.
