Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, US, will add to its collection of roller coasters this spring when the new Wild Eagle opens in March.

Wild Eagle is perched 21 stories above Dollywood, has a top speed of 61mph and takes riders on a ride that creates the feel of soaring high above the Smoky Mountains.

Designed and built by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard, the ride is touted as the US's first steel wing coaster. Instead of on the track, Wild Eagle seats riders on either side of the track so that there's nothing but air above and below the rider.

According to a spokesperson, the coaster is the single largest addition to the park since it opened.

To accompany the opening of the ride the park has commissioned the country's largest flying eagle steel sculpture which features a horizontal wing span equivalent to a four-storey building.

Details: http://www.dollywood2012.com/