Nighthawk (roller coaster)

Nighthawk is a steel flying roller coaster from Vekoma located at Carowinds amusement park. Originally opening as Stealth at California's Great America on April 1, 2000, the roller coaster was the first flying roller coaster model in the world. In 2003, Paramount decided to relocate the roller coaster to Carowinds. It reopened as Borg Assimilator – the first coaster in the world to be themed to Star Trek – on March 20, 2004. After Cedar Fair purchased Carowinds in 2006, Paramount themes were soon removed from the park, and the ride was renamed Nighthawk. It is one of only three Flying Dutchman models still in existence from Vekoma.HistoryParamount's Great America (2000—2003)On June 22, 1999, Paramount's Great America announced Stealth as "the world's first true flying coaster." For Stealth to be installed, the lower flume of Logger's Run had to be altered and the Yankee Clipper had to be removed. The ride officially opened to the public on April 1, 2000. On August 21, 2003, it was announced Stealth would close on September 1 to make room for a new water park, Boomerang Bay. The station and several footers are still located in the water park today.Carowinds (2004—present)On August 21, 2003, Carowinds announced a new flying roller coaster that would be relocated from California's Great America. The ride's name was not announced at the time. On January 15, 2004, it was announced the new roller coaster would be named Borg Assimilator and would be the first Star Trek themed roller coaster. Regarding the design of the attraction, Dale Kaetzel, Vice President of marketing and Assistant General Manager, said: