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When it comes to Arnold Schwarzenegger’sTerminatorfranchise, the films are often filled with crazy stunts. But one sequence fromTerminator 2: Judgment Dayended up being the boss of all. The breathtaking sequence unfolded during a high-octane chase scene involving a Bell JetRanger helicopter and an armored car.
Directed by James Cameron, known for his boundary-pushing approach to filmmaking, this sequence featured a daring helicopter stunt where the aircraft maneuvered dangerously close to a freeway overpass. But how exactly did they do it? Well, delve into the meticulous planning and execution behind this iconic stunt, as we explore how Cameron pushed the limits of both human skill and cinematic technique.
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By far the helicopter stunt inTerminator 2: Judgment Dayhas been one of the most daring and visually striking sequences in action cinema. Raising eyebrows to the sky limit, the scene involving a Bell JetRanger helicopter flying under a freeway overpass at high speed was crafted with precision by directorJames Cameron. Well, while the stunt was considered impossible by most, veteran stunt pilot Charles A. “Chuck” Tamburro orchestrated it with his aerial maneuvers.
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According toFilm School Rejects, Charles A. “Chuck” Tamburro initially began ensuring the feasibility of the stunt by conducting meticulous pre-flight tests. He first measured the clearance under the overpass by placing the helicopter on wheels and rolling it underneath to measure the space. As the measurements confirmed a clearance of five feet above and four feet on either side of the helicopter, Tamburro green-lighted the stunt and flew the helicopter at a speed of sixty knots.
If I made a mistake, I would be killed.Tamburro shared.
Charles A. “Chuck” Tamburro’s choice of speed minimized the risk of ground effect, ensuring that the airflow from the rotor blades did not interfere with the helicopter’s stability. Thereafter, with exceptional skill and nerve, the veteran stunt pilot had to navigate the helicopter for the crew to shoot the scene. According to reports, the film required two different angles: one from behind the helicopter and one in front of it. Therefore,Tamburro required high-level piloting skillsto ensure there were no mistakes.
James Cameron Shot the Stunt After Film Crew’s Nervousness in Taking the Risk
Meanwhile, after Charles A. “Chuck” Tamburro greenlighted the stunt, there appeared one significant issue. Considering how the close-up shots were particularly challenging due to the hazardous nature of the maneuver, the original camera crew assigned to film the stunt declined to participate, citing safety concerns. This eventually led James Cameron to intervene and take on the courageous task of shooting the high-risk sequence personally.
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Thereafter, as James Cameron stepped in to capture the critical footage himself, it required the filmmaker to work in close coordination with the stunt team and the insert car driver, who would help position the camera angles for the shots. Meanwhile, to achieve the necessary camera perspectives, a full crew spent two weeks setting up the pre-rigging for the stunt.
Further, during the freeway chase, other aspects of the sequence were filmed using a police helicopter mounted on a moving crane. This method allowed for dynamic, in-action shots ofT-1000 actor Robert Patrick, including scenes of him firing and reloading his weapon. The crane ensured the helicopter appeared to be in flight, without the risks associated with actual aerial stunts.
Overall, the successful execution of the helicopter stunt inArnold Schwarzenegger‘sTerminator 2: Judgment Dayinvolved a combination of combined efforts, high-level piloting skills, and creative filmmaking techniques.
Terminator 2: Judgment Dayis currently available to watch on Paramount+.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
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Arnold SchwarzeneggerJames Cameron
