With incredible practical aerial sequels, the Top Gun planes are a vital aspect to the original movie and its sequel achieving an authentic feel. The original 1986 movie saw Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) attend the U.S. Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School, known to the skilled naval aviators who train there as “Top Gun.” Over three decades later, Top Gun: Maverick saw Maverick promoted to Captain and reassigned to the school as punishment for his rebellious ways. As both movies emphasize realism, the Top Gun planes are equally crucial to the franchise as the pilots who fly them.
