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

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.