The making of Blue Thunder the movie. By: Dave Herbert

In 1981, I was asked to fly my Byron F-16 in the Movie Blue Thunder.

John Simone was the National Helicopter Champion then and owned and operated the company called Impact Effects, Inc.
They blew up models in the movies.

I had plenty of experience with my F-16, and Frank Johnson devised a set of retracts for it, thus making it perfect for the movie, so I was hired.

John Simone also owned and operated the first RC helicopter manufacturing plant in the USA, called American RC helicopters. They made the Mantis and the Eagle.

He was the first known person to attempt and successfully loop a RC helicopter.

Only a couple of full size, specialized helis could do that, as it was not a practical maneuver for helicopters, and still isn't.

He also taught me to fly helicopters, for which I am grateful.

Now we have RC Helicopters that will hover upside down.
We have come a long way since 1981. Hope you enjoy this and are enlightened.

Now days it is all done with computers.

To get a nice RC helicopter check out this link at xheli.com for todays prices.
http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3235026-10471876

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Blue
• Thunder
• Columbia
• pictures
• John
• Badham
• Sibley
• Iowa
• Helicopter
• fly
• Roy
• Scheider
• Simone
• Dave
• Herbert
• Special
• Hughes
• 500

[MultiRick2011]

WOW! I can remember standing outside looking at the Blue Thunder movie poster ,

I could not wait to see that movie. It is neat to know you had a part in making it.

[zapster2412111]

Dave This Making of video deserves way way more views,thats one of my favorite movies and it boosted my love for helis over the top you guys did a fantastic job on those effects.

[JohnnyJV52]

Were you wearing your rollerskates during the shoot Dave? Lol... Man what a cool experience!

[PHeMoX]

I always thought you were piloting one of the RC helicopters, but this video is great. I always like these behind the scenes videos showing how things were done.

[Istenenergia]

I saw this film on hungarian tv some decades ago, very good movie and interesting to see now how it was made. good job dave, as always

[ThomasEddySon]

I can't say how many times I've watched "Blue Thunder" but it's one of those films that never grows old, I've probably seen it more times than some have seen Star Wars - excellent work Dave and thanks for the entertainment on both big & small screens.

[AndoAus1]

I've said it before and you're forcing me to say it again Dave....

You never cease to amaze me. Just when I think you've run out of surprises you pull another one out of your sleeve!

Great work as usual.

[tsisapik]

Great video, great job ! I have to watch that movie again and again ....

[Breezer123]

Great video Dave! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[daz28pike]

Absolutley brilliant Dave!