Tom Cruise, Epic M, and Red Bull F1

[Mitch Gross]

Wasn't there a bogus story point in the 80s film Blue Thunder that it was aeronomically impossible for a helicopter to pull a 360 flip? So much for that one I guess.

I like how casual Mr. Tom-terrific seems about the whole thing. F1 & chopper flips; all in an average day for Tom Cruise.

 

[Butch Henderson]

I know it was said in jest, but most helicopters have asymetrical rotor blades (i mean who wants their pax to puke the whole way to the destination), and none have inverted fuel and oil systems. Chuck Aaron got symetrical blades from the manufacturer, and modified the helicopters fuel and oil systems for inverted flight, it still is only a balistic flight though, there is not enough control authority to hold the weight above the blades for any length of time, although he wants to do it pretty badly.

Tom is rated as a private pilot, athough not helicopters suprisingly.

 

[PaulClements]

Great stuff. I recently did a shoot with Sebastian Vettel at Red Bulls base here in the UK and then at Donnington Race track a few weeks later. The coolest bit was when they brought the car out for filming and behind that car was about 6 more parked in the factory. It's amazing what they've done too get to the top of the pile. Their story is very similar too Red's. They're not the most popular with the old school but they are producing better products than any of their competitors!!! - And trust me that pains me to say that because I'm a McLaren fan at heart!
Thanks for posting this.
Paul

 

[ericyoung]

Great shoot - jealous of the toys Tom gets to play with.

 

[Mitch Gross]

I'm jealous of a lot of things Tom gets to play with.

 

[Justin Chin]

Wow. Tom's insurance premium must be huge. I bet the MI producers didn't know he'd be doing flips in a heli... way too cool.