The iconic film Top Gun is widely known for its daring fighter jet scenes, soaring the skies with impressive aircrafts. However, in the much-awaited sequel, it’s not the F-35, the newest and high-tech 5th generation fighter, stealing the show. Instead, the classic F/A-18 Hornet takes center stage.
But why the shift from F-35 to F/A-18?
The F-35 was initially likely to be featured prominently due to its superior features, including stealth capabilities, network-enabled operations and advanced sensor systems. Despite these advantages, however, the F/A-18 surprisingly got the spotlight.
The main reason is believed to be related to logistics and practical availability. The F/A-18 is a reliable workhorse of the United States Navy, while the F-35 is relatively new and less accessible. Moreover, the F/A-18 has broad multi-mission capabilities, including fighter escort, fleet defense, air superiority, day and night strike with precision-guided weapons, among others.
At the same time, the selection of F/A-18 for Top Gun: Maverick maintains the connection with the original film. In 1986’s Top Gun, the F-14 Tomcat was in the lead, a close relative to the F/A-18 in terms of design and use. Maintaining this link surely provides a sense of nostalgia for the audience and remains true to the Top Gun heritage.
Our favorite film may not be showcasing the most modern jet fighters, yet the F/A-18 continues to impress with its dependability and versatility. Now, isn’t that something to look forward to?
Behind the Screens: Why F/A-18, Not F-35, Shines in the Top Gun Sequel
The sequel to the iconic film Top Gun, famous for its breath-taking fighter jet sequences, is making waves once again. Interestingly, the star aircraft in the upcoming movie is not the much-anticipated F-35, the cutting-edge 5th generation fighter jet, but the much older F/A-18 Hornet.
Why Did Top Gun Choose the F/A-18 Over the F-35?
While the F-35 boasts a suite of impressive features like stealth capabilities, network-powered operations, and advanced sensor systems, the F/A-18 has won the battle for the silver screen. The primary reasons for this selection veer towards practicality and availability. The F/A-18 serves as a reliable workhorse for the United States Navy, making it more accessible for filming purposes than the newer F-35.
Furthermore, the F/A-18 offers a wide range of mission capabilities, from serving as a fighter escort, fleet defender, and air superiority provider to executing precise day and night strikes with precision-guided weaponry. This multi-dimensional capability potentially adds more diversity to the air-borne action scenes in the movie.
The Nostalgic Link to the Original Top Gun
Another appealing aspect of the F/A-18 selection is the nostalgic connection with the original 1986 Top Gun film. The original movie featured the F-14 Tomcat, a design kin and functional equivalent to the F/A-18. This selection brings a sense of nostalgia to the audience, respecting and keeping alive the Top Gun heritage.
So, while Top Gun: Maverick may not feature the most contemporary jet fighters, the F/A-18 continues to showcase its reliability and flexibility. Undoubtedly, this choice adds value to the film, providing a mix of nostalgia and excitement that the audience can eagerly anticipate.
