Picture Car Glossary
ramp vehicle
What is a ramp vehicle?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called launch ramp vehicle.
A ramp vehicle is a purpose-built or specially modified picture car used as a launching platform for another vehicle during a jump, launch, or airborne stunt.
Ramp vehicles are typically low-profile, with a ramped front end or modular ramp apparatus attached to their body. The geometry and angle of the ramp directly determines the height and distance of the launched vehicle, so precise engineering calculations and pre-shoot testing are essential. Both the ramp vehicle and the launching vehicle require safety modifications and qualified stunt drivers at the controls.
Example
A truck is built as a launch ramp so another car can jump it on camera. The ramp's geometry, the approach speed, and the landing are engineered together, and the whole thing is calculated rather than judged by eye.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Built by stunts and special effects in prep, for a single engineered gag.
Common mistake
Judging ramp geometry by eye. Approach speed, ramp angle, and landing are calculated together, and getting any of them wrong turns a stunt into an accident.
Related questions
- How is the landing planned for a ramp jump?
- Together with the approach speed and ramp angle, by the stunt coordinator and special effects, with the landing area prepared and the vehicle built to survive the impact.
- Who designs the jump?
- The stunt coordinator with special effects, calculating speed, angle, and landing rather than estimating them.
Official sources
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