The spectacular stunt in the Octopussy pre-title sequence, where Bond’s Acrostar mini-jet flies through the closing doors of a hangar, is a prime example of how clever practical effects and camera trickery were used to create movie magic long before CGI was the norm.

While the actual Bede BD-5J jet was flown by expert pilot J.W. “Corkey” Fornof for many of the airborne scenes, the iconic shot of the jet flying through the hangar was achieved using a combination of foreground miniatures and a model of the jet mounted on a car.

Here’s how they did it:

To sell the illusion of the jet narrowly slipping through the hangar at high speed, the production team constructed a lightweight scale model of the jet, which was securely fixed to the roof of a modified vehicle (often described as a car or a low-profile rig). This allowed them to drive it at speed through a full-scale hangar set, ensuring full control of the timing, movement, and clearance—something far too risky to attempt with a real aircraft.

To enhance the illusion, the filmmakers also used foreground miniatures—smaller-scale props or scenery placed close to the camera lens—to manipulate perspective. For example, portions of the hangar or vehicles in the background may have been miniatures strategically placed in the foreground to give a sense of depth and scale, making the jet’s passage appear even more death-defyingly narrow.

Cinematographer Alan Hume and director John Glen were meticulous about the alignment of the camera, timing of the hangar doors, and smoke effects, all of which had to sync perfectly to maintain the illusion. The finished sequence, just a few seconds long, was the result of multiple techniques cleverly blended together—a perfect example of the Bond franchise’s resourceful use of practical effects.

After the blistering escape aboard the Acrostar mini-jet—dodging missiles, flying through hangars, and evading a pursuing heat-seeking rocket—James Bond finally makes his getaway in true 007 style.

As the heat-seeking missile continues to chase him relentlessly, Bond uses quick thinking and steers the jet low over a petrol station situated in the middle of nowhere. At the last moment, he pulls up and executes a dramatic manoeuvre that causes the missile to veer off and slam into a pursuing enemy vehicle instead, resulting in a spectacular explosion.

With the danger now past and the skies quiet once more, Bond gracefully brings the mini-jet down to a smooth landing beside the petrol station. He rolls to a stop next to the pump as if he were parking a vintage car rather than a cutting-edge aircraft.

In a moment of cool, tongue-in-cheek nonchalance, Bond pops open the canopy, leans out, and—without missing a beat—says to the wide-eyed, stunned petrol attendant:

“Fill her up, please.”

It’s a classic Roger Moore moment—suave, unflappable, and full of dry British wit. The scene perfectly encapsulates the tone of Moore’s Bond: deadly when necessary, but always with a wink to the audience.