There is no denying that fifth-generation fighter planes are highly capable and we all would have loved to see the fifth-generation US fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. The Tom Cruise starrer has been hitting the charts ever since its release.
The sequel to the 1986 original ‘Top Gun‘, ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ also became the second highest-grossing film of 2022 and highest grosser of Tom Cruise’s career. However, as anticipated by the fans, the film does not star The F-35 in the movie. Let’s get to know why.
What Is The F-35 Lightning
The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter plane that was launched in December 2006. It is a multi-role combat aircraft with vertical takeoff capabilities. F-35 is developed by Lockheed Martin. It is indeed a highly capable aircraft that can perform both air superiority and strike missions.
The plane is also in current use by both the American and British armies. It replaced the earlier versions of the Harrier as this one provides a weapon load of 2,500 lb. No doubt this fighter jet was made to be starred in a movie like ‘Top Gun’ and even the creators wanted it to be that way. However, there are pretty discrete reasons for it not being one of the star cast.
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Why Are The 5th Generation Fighter Jets Not Used In ‘Top Gun: Maverick’?
The major reason for a fifth-generation fighter jet not making it into the movie is that it is a single-seater. The F35 being a single seater couldn’t have both the real pilot and the actor present at the same time, causing a problem with the safety regulations even if Tom Cruise had flight training. It would also have caused a cinematographic hindrance with not-so-smooth transitions.
Although the jet has been mentioned quite a few times in the movie, it is never explained why it didn’t make an appearance. Another reason could be the lack of close fighting scenes that a 5th generation jet would allow. Such an aircraft would only engage in a long-distance fight scene which I bet none of us would enjoy.
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