The 6 Iconic High Flyer Planes Featured in “Top Gun: Maverick”

When the movie “Top Gun: Maverick” hit the theaters, it wasn’t just the actors that caught everyone’s attention. The real stars for many were the planes zooming across the sky, showing off their power and speed. This movie brings some of the coolest aircraft to the big screen, making us all wish we could fly. Let’s talk about the six awesome planes that made a big impact in the movie.

P-51 Mustang

Starting with a true classic, the P-51 Mustang is more than just an old plane. It was super important during World War II, helping the allies win many battles. Developed quickly to help out the British, it first took to the skies in 1942. Through the war, it evolved, and these planes were seriously tough, taking down thousands of enemy planes. After the war, they didn’t just disappear. The Mustang kept flying, even taking part in the Korean War. It’s really cool that this piece of history got some spotlight in “Top Gun: Maverick”, especially in those final scenes.

F-14A Tomcat

Next, let’s talk about the F-14A Tomcat. This plane is like a flying legend in the United States Navy. It started its journey in 1974 and has been part of many important missions. It’s fast, and it was designed to protect ships from far-off threats. The plane got even better over time but eventually had to retire. Nonetheless, it got to show off one more time in “Top Gun: Maverick”, reminding us why it’s been such a beloved plane.

F-35A Lightning II

The F-35A Lightning II is a glimpse into the future of flying. It’s super advanced and is slowly becoming the main fighter jet for the U.S. Air Force. It’s set to take over from older jets that have been around for decades. Though the movie didn’t focus too much on it, it was still pretty cool to see it in action. It represents the latest in technology, showing us what modern air battles might look like.

Hypersonic ‘Darkstar’ | SR-72

Now, this one is a bit different. The Darkstar isn’t a real plane you can see at an air show. It’s based on what we think the next super-fast planes might be like. In “Top Gun: Maverick”, the Darkstar is this super-secret and incredibly fast jet that only a few get to fly. It’s all about pushing the limits and going faster than anyone else. The movie uses the Darkstar to add a bit of mystery and excitement, showing us a thrilling peek into the future.

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is more than just a fighter jet. It’s a versatile powerhouse, capable of both fighting and flying fast to complete missions. Coming into service as the F-14 Tomcat was retiring, it had big shoes to fill. The movie gives us a good look at how this jet works, especially with Maverick using it to teach the new pilots. It’s not just about flying fast; it’s about being the best in the sky.

Sukhoi SU-57 Felon

Lastly, the Sukhoi SU-57 Felon shows us that it’s not just American planes that are advanced. This Russian jet is all about being stealthy and powerful. It’s a newer model, only recently joining their air force. The movie pits this jet as the main competition, showing how it matches up against American planes. It adds to the tension and makes the aerial battles even more exciting.