Maxx Force

S&S Worldwide  |  Six Flags Great America
Gurnee, Illinois

Six Flags Great America hailed the opening of its fastest-launching roller coaster this season, “Maxx Force.” Accelerating to 78 mph in a blistering two seconds, the compressed-air-launch ride from S&S Worldwide Inc. reaches a height of 175 feet and propels riders through five inversions. 

“Maxx Force,” located in the Carousel Plaza section of the park, is Six Flags Great America’s 17th roller coaster, but is unlike any other ride since the park opened in 1976. “Six Flags Great America takes pride in being the Thrill Capital of the Midwest,” says Caitlin Kepple, the park’s communications manager. “Those new experiences and ‘firsts’ are born out of innovation. The ‘Maxx Force’ launch is another element of coaster evolution designed to be bigger and more thrilling than before.” 

The compressed-air launch system stores compressed air in large tanks, and when released, it draws a cable attached to a catch car that in return, rapidly launches a train forward. The ride uses two trains with four cars per train, each seating two rows of two riders, for a total of 16 passengers.

“Covering 1,800 feet of track in 70 seconds, guests reach record speed and height on this massive new addition to the Six Flags Great America coaster collection,” says Kepple. The zero to 78 mph launch leads directly into one of the world’s tallest double inversions, where riders find themselves head over heels twice in a row at 175 feet above the ground.

“Maxx Force” is themed to Formula One racing. “The Formula One theming is prevalent throughout the S&S coaster design, particularly trains. The record‑breaking launch speed of ‘Maxx Force’ lends itself to comparisons to the extreme acceleration of Formula One race cars. The trains, much like race cars, are not only sleek, but aerodynamic,” Kepple says.