Hypersonic was built by S&S Worldwide (now S&S – Sansei Technologies), a company specializing in air-powered rides, and was the first compressed air launch coaster in the world.

S&S Worldwide also greatly modified the section following the 90° drop to accommodate Kings Dominion's landscape and to properly bank the turn.

To save on costs, the park decided to buy the Thrust Air 2000 prototype from the S&S Worldwide testing facility.

[6] Construction of Hypersonic XLC began in October 2000 when track pieces arrived at Kings Dominion.

[7] Hypersonic XLC officially opened to the general public on time on March 24, the first day of the 2001 season.

After a launch from 0 to 80 mph (130 km/h) in 1.8 seconds up a 90° incline, the ride crested a 165-foot (50 m) hill, and without fully slowing, plummeted down a 90° dive.

The compressed air launch system was used on Do-Dodonpa, the world's fastest-accelerating ride prior to closing in 2024, which accelerated to 112 mph (180 km/h) in just 1.56 seconds.