The air ram is a

pneumatic Pneumatics (from Greek 'wind, breath') is the use of gas or pressurized air in mechanical systems. Pneumatic systems used in Industrial sector, industry are commonly powered by compressed air or compressed inert gases. A centrally located a ...

device that catapults a

stunt performer A stunt performer, often called a stuntman or stuntwoman and occasionally stuntperson or stunt-person, is a trained professional who performs daring acts, often as a career. Stunt performers usually appear in films or on television, as opposed ...

through the air. To simulate the effects of an explosion, the performer steps on a large "pedal" and using

compressed air Compressed air is air kept under a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. Compressed air in vehicle tires and shock absorbers are commonly used for improved traction and reduced vibration. Compressed air is an important medium for t ...

the "pedal" is released sending the performer hurtling through the air. The distance and height the performer attains is dependent upon the air pressure set. There are many different design types, but all air rams have a few design elements in common: They use compressed air and a surface area that the performer steps on—that is raised using the compressed air which then catapults the person forward. At the 1995 (65th) Academy Awards Scientific and Technical Awards presentation, stunt performer Joe Finnegan (a.k.a. Joe Yrigoyen) was the recipient of a Technical Achievement Award for "his pioneering work in developing the Air Ram for motion picture stunt effects."

References

Cinematic techniques {{film-tech-stub