Image: Bolliger and Mabillard designed GateKeeper

Cedar Park - the amusement park and resort in Sandusky, Ohio, US - has announced plans to build one of the longest winged rollercoasters in the world ahead of its 2013 season.

GateKeeper is currently scheduled to debut in May and will feature one of the longest drops of any winged coaster in the world, with the ride spanning 3.5 acres (1.4 hectares).

Swiss firm Bolliger and Mabillard have designed the 4,164ft (1,269m)-long experience, with features including rolling flying manoeuvres over the main entrance to Cedar Park.

Visitors will travel through new front gate portals and near buildings to generate "near miss" excitement, with three 32-passenger trains capable of accommodating 1,710 riders per hour.

After cresting a 170ft (52m) hill, the trains will rotate 180 degrees to the right and turn riders upside down, before dropping 163ft (50m) towards the ground at up to 67mph (108kmph).

With the addition of GateKeeper and a redesign of the main entrance, Cedar Park is investing US$30m (EUR24.3m, £19.1m) in improvements ahead of the 2013 season.

Cedar Point general manager John Hildebrandt said: "GateKeeper's world-record-breaking statistics, incredible flying manoeuvres and special elements make it a unique experience.

"GateKeeper is a rollercoaster only Cedar Point can build and we are proud to add it to our incredible line-up of world-class attractions."

Click here for more information about GateKeeper at Cedar Point.