Following the closure of the iconic Corkscrew in November 2008, Alton Towers submitted a planning application for a replacement rollercoaster to be located on the site and extending into the fringes of the adjacent woodland. Codenamed SW6, the development marked the revival of the Secret Weapon series of rollercoasters, of which Air had been the last addition in 2002.
The plans detailed that the new rollercoaster would have a maximum height of 20 metres, as well as excavation being required in areas where the track would be below ground level. Other key elements of the proposal included the themed station building and new queue line, including its themed entrance.
