Air Ratchet

air ram wire work stunt coordinator ratchet descender

Pneumatic cable-pull system that yanks performers horizontally at high speed – creates violent impact reactions for gunshots, punches, or force throws.

What is an Air Ratchet?

An Air Ratchet is a pneumatic cable pull system that yanks stunt performers at high speed in one direction. It simulates the force of impacts – gunshots, explosions, punches, or supernatural forces that send someone flying.

Principle of Operation

Component	Function
Pneumatic Cylinder	Generates rapid linear motion
Steel Cable	Connects cylinder to performer
Harness	Hidden rig on the performer
Pulleys	Control pull direction
Quick Release Valve	Instantaneous activation

Technical Specifications (Typical)

Parameter	Value
Pressure	8–15 bar
Stroke Length	1–3 meters
Speed	Up to 20 m/s
Tension Force	500–2000 N
Activation Time	10–30 ms

Difference: Air Ratchet vs. Air Ram

Aspect	Air Ratchet	Air Ram
Direction	Horizontal/diagonal	Vertical upwards
Mechanism	Cable pull	Piston/platform
Movement	Pulling	Launching
Typical Effect	Gunshot impact	Explosion

Applications

Effect	Description
Gunshot Reaction	Hit throws performer back
Punch/Kick	Combat impact
Force Push	Supernatural throw
Explosion Hit	Blast wave impact
Car Hit	Vehicle impact

Safety

Measure	Description
Hidden Harness	Concealed under costume
Padding	Body protection for performer
Landing Zone	Mats, airbags, crash pads
Cable Check	Before each take
Rehearsals	Gradual increase
Stunt Coordinator	Oversees everything

Typical Workflow

Phase	Activity
Rigging	Set up system, tension cable
Harness Fitting	Dress performer
Cable Routing	Position pulleys
Pressure Test	Start slowly
Rehearsal	Without camera, low pressure
Gradual Increase	Step-by-step full effect
Shoot	With camera, final pressure

Combination with Other Effects

Combination	Effect
+ Squib	Blood effect on hit
+ Pyro	Explosion timing
+ Breakaway	Shattering glass/wall
+ CGI	Muzzle flash, enhancement

Harness Types

Type	Usage
Full Body	Maximum control
Hip Harness	Hidden under clothing
Chest Harness	For backward pull
Single Point	Quick changes

Ratchet vs. Cable Descent

System	Function
Ratchet	Fast, hard pull
Cable Descent	Controlled fall
Fan Descent	Slow fall

Cost (approx.)

Item	Price
System Rental/Day	€400–€1,000
Stunt Performer	€500–€1,500/day
Stunt Coordinator	€800–€2,000/day
Safety/Rigging	Variable

Typical Problems

Problem	Solution
Cable Visible	Camera angle, CGI removal
Harness Visible	Costume adjustment
Too Harsh	Reduce pressure
Unconvincing	Performer training

Today

Air ratchets are standard equipment for action productions worldwide. They provide the physical conviction that CGI cannot fully replace – when a body truly flies, you see the difference.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Air Ratchets sind extrem schnell – oft brauche ich High-Speed-Kameras, um die Bewegung einzufangen. Das Timing mit dem Trigger muss perfekt sein.

Director

Air Ratchets geben mir die brutale Wucht eines Treffers. Wenn jemand von einer Kugel oder Explosion getroffen wird, muss er FLIEGEN – nicht elegant fallen.

Producer

Air Ratchets sind Standard für Action-Produktionen. Gut geplant sind sie sicher und effizient – aber ich spare nie am Stunt-Budget.

Related terms

Stunts · Technique

Air Ram

Pneumatic catapult that launches stunt performers into the air – creates realistic impact…

Ratchet / Jerk Harness / Yank Rig / Air Ram

Stunts · Equipment

Descender / Rope Descender / Rappel Device

Mechanical friction device that controls the descent speed of suspended performers…

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2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Air Ratchet"?

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