Picture Car Glossary
tilt-and-flip vehicle (T-bone rig)
What is a tilt-and-flip vehicle (T-bone rig)?
Updated June 2026 · Revolution Picture Cars
Also called T-bone rig, cannon car, or flipper.
A tilt-and-flip vehicle, also called a T-bone rig or cannon car, is a stunt vehicle fitted with a hidden pneumatic or explosive pipe cannon that fires downward on one side, forcing the vehicle to flip sideways on cue.
Unlike naturally occurring crash rollovers, cannon car flips can be triggered at a precise moment, speed, and location for maximum camera coverage and repeatability. The cannon charge is sized by the SFX team to achieve the desired flip height and rotation. Cannon cars require extensive structural reinforcement, fire suppression, and a fully locked-off safety zone before each use.
Example
A hidden pipe cannon fires into the ground on cue and flips the car at a precise point in frame. The gag is repeatable only in the sense that a second car can be built; the first is finished.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Engineered by special effects and stunts in prep, and single-use by design.
Common mistake
Planning coverage as if the flip can be repeated. The car is finished after the take, so every angle needed has to roll simultaneously.
Related questions
- How does a cannon car work?
- A hidden pneumatic or explosive pipe cannon fires into the ground on cue, flipping the vehicle at a precise point in frame.
- How many cameras cover a flip?
- As many as the sequence needs at once, because the gag happens once and a second attempt means building a second vehicle.
Official sources
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