Stealth

The UK's fastest roller coaster - 0 to 80 mph in 1.8 seconds.

About Stealth

Stealth is Thorpe Park's signature ride and one of the most intense roller coasters in the UK. Manufactured by Intamin and opened in 2006, it uses a hydraulic launch system to propel riders from a standing start to 80 mph in just 1.8 seconds - the fastest acceleration on any UK coaster.

After the launch, the train climbs the 62.5-metre tower at near-vertical angle before cresting the top and plunging back down. The entire ride lasts around 30 seconds, but the launch alone is enough to make it unforgettable. There are no inversions - Stealth is entirely about speed and the raw sensation of the launch.

What to Expect

The moment the launch fires, the G-force is immediate and intense - you are pushed hard into your seat as the train rockets forward and upward. At the top of the tower, there is a brief moment of weightlessness before the descent. The return run is fast but over quickly. If you have ridden a launch coaster before, this is the benchmark against which others are measured in the UK.

The ride is relatively short, which is part of why queues build up: high throughput demand combined with a 30-second cycle. On a busy summer day, the wait can easily reach 90 minutes.

Tips for Riding Stealth

• Ride it first. Stealth draws the longest queues of any ride at Thorpe Park. Head straight here when the park opens - the queue is often under 20 minutes in the first hour.
• Front row for the view. The front row gives you an unobstructed view over the top of the tower. Expect a longer sub-queue for the front seats.
• Loose items. Nothing can be taken on - bags must go in a locker. There are paid lockers at the ride entrance.
• Weather affects operations. Stealth closes in high winds more readily than other rides. If the weather looks changeable, prioritise it early.
• Check the live queue. On quieter weekdays in term time, Stealth can be a near walk-on. Use the live queue page to judge before committing to the walk across the park.

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