The much-anticipated sequel to the iconic ‘Top Gun’ astonishes fans with a peculiar choice: opting for F/A-18 aircrafts instead of the state-of-the-art F-35s.
It may come as a surprise to many aviation enthusiasts and movie buffs that the producers of “Top Gun: Maverick” decided to go with the F/A-18 Super Hornets over the F-35 Lightning II. What is the reasoning behind this unexpected choice?
The answer lies in the realism that the movie aims to portray. Tom Cruise, playing Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, is depicted as an instructor at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. At the time when the movie was filmed, the F/A-18 Super Hornet was the principal aircraft used by the US Navy for teaching and training purposes.
The use of the F-35 Lightning II, while technologically superior to the F/A-18, would not align with the realistic portrayal they were aiming for. The F-35 is also heavily integrated into the latest computer technology, which can distract from showcasing the tactical flying skills of a pilot, the key point the movie intends to portray.
Another reason is the visual factor. The F/A-18, with its wide, angular shape, offers more dramatic visuals compared to the sleeker designs of the modern F-35.
In conclusion, while the F-35 may represent the future of military aviation, the F/A-18 was the right choice for Top Gun: Maverick, demonstrating its commitment to authenticity and visual impact.
Why Top Gun: Maverick Chose F/A-18 Over High-tech F-35: The Real Behind-The-Scenes Reason
In the upcoming and highly anticipated sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick”, the production team made an interesting choice when it comes to the film’s feature aircraft, surprising many fans and aviation enthusiasts alike. Instead of employing the state-of-the-art F-35 Lightning II, the movie stays true to its roots by opting to use the F/A-18 Super Hornets.
This unexpected selection is grounded in the very essence of the movie: authenticity. The film has Tom Cruise reprising his role as Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, an instructor at the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. Crucially, at the time of filming, it was the F/A-18 Super Hornet that was the primary aircraft being utilized by the US Navy for training purposes. This makes the F/A-18 the realistic choice for portraying naval aviation training in the movie.
The F-35 Lightning II, despite being technologically advanced and very much the face of modern military aviation, didn’t quite fit the narrative ambition of the film. The sophisticated aircraft integrates heavily with the latest computer technologies, which, while impressive, could potentially eclipse the meat of the story – the tactile flying skills and instincts of a pilot.
The choice of the F/A-18 also had to do with the visual aspects of filming. The F/A-18’s wide and angular design lends itself to more dramatic on-screen visuals, as compared to the streamlined silhouette of the F-35.
In summary, while the F-35 Lightning II can be seen as the next generation of military aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet stands as a powerful symbol of authenticity and visual drama in “Top Gun: Maverick”. This strategic choice underscores the film’s commitment to accurately portraying the real experience of pilots and their interactions with aircraft.
