 In early 1997 , Paramount 's Carowinds began consultations with roller coaster manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard about adding a new ride to their park . During 18 months of discussions , several designs and themes for the ride were developed , including theming it to the Godzilla franchise . In July 1998 , the park announced the addition of Top Gun : The Jet Coaster for the 1999 season . At a cost of $ 10 @.@ 5 million , it would be the single biggest investment in the park 's history . The announcement followed Paramount Parks adding Top Gun @-@ themed inverted and suspended roller coasters to several of their parks throughout the 1990s , including Paramount 's Great America , Paramount Canada 's Wonderland , and Paramount 's Kings Island . To construct the attraction at Carowinds , the park 's Bayern Kurve ride , Wild Bull , had to be removed . The park intended to keep the ride in storage for a potential relocation elsewhere within the park . The removal of Wild Bull shortened construction time because no trees or buildings had to be removed . Construction began in late July 1998 , with the first track arriving in August . Testing was completed in January 1999 . 
