Why Didn't They Just Use the F-35 with Laser Guided Munitions in Top Gun: Maverick?

Maverick, while enjoyable, presents several plot holes that defy logic. The mission's logic is as clear as a Rottweiler carrying a hammer wrapped in wet toilet paper. As an SEO, I'll dissect the strategic errors and aircraft choices prevalent in the movie.

The Inefficient Targeting Strategy

The primary question revolves around the Tomahawk strike just before Maverick and his team attacked the Death Star. Instead of targeting the SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) firing units on the rim of the canyon, they chose to hit an airfield. Why? This move neither undermines the enemy's air defense nor provides cover for the assault.

If the Tomahawk strike had been on the SAM units, Maverick and his team could have approached from above the ridge, avoiding heavy fire from the SAMs. This strategic blunder does little to advance the story and only complicates the mission's objectives.

The Lack of Two-Seater F-35s

The film's choice to use a 2-seater aircraft, the F-14 Tomcat, is crucial for its narrative. The presence of a pilot in the back seat is essential for filming purposes, allowing them to simulate Maverick flying the plane. However, the choice to integrate the F-35, a single-seater aircraft, raises questions about the plausibility of the scenario.

The F-35, as an advanced stealth aircraft, would have been ideal for the mission due to its advanced sensor suite and superior capabilities. However, in the movie, the F-35 is not the hero, appearing only in the first 5 minutes. This decision likely stems from budgetary and practical constraints, rather than strategic plotting.

The Stratification of Aircraft Choices and Ranks

Maverick, depicted as a former F-14B Tomcat pilot, later transferred to the F-18E/F Super Hornet and potentially the experimental F-35D. Given these advancements, one might wonder about the consistency in his rank and the aircraft he operates.

How many admirals do you know who operate advanced fighter jets? In reality, admirals are more likely to command fleets and oversee operations rather than fly. However, in the film, Maverick's rank and aircraft choice blur the lines between reality and Hollywood drama.

Moreover, the choice of aircraft reflects the movie's focus on entertainment rather than military strategy. The F-35, while advanced, is not portrayed as the main protagonist because of its complexity and cost, which might overshadow the dramatic narrative the film aims to present.

The Role of Rank and Expertise in the Film's Success

Who benefits the most from the movie's success? The Ph.D.s, the researchers, the forward-thinking developers, the cutting-edge engineers, or the barbers with the newest technology? While these groups are the innovators and problem solvers, the film's success often lies with the business-minded individuals and those who can effectively sell the product.

The F-35, despite its advanced technology, is not the star of the movie because the focus is on the human story and the narrative arc. Maverick, as the charismatic heroine, drives the plot forward, but the F-35 serves as a side character, highlighting the film's dual emphasis on entertainment and military realism.

Conclusion

Top Gun: Maverick, while entertaining, often sacrifices realism for plot convenience and entertainment value. The choice to use the F-14 and F-18 over the F-35 is a perfect example of this. The lack of two-seater F-35s further complicates the mission, making the movie's logic less convincing.

By understanding these plot holes and the film's strategic choices, we can appreciate the contradictions and appreciate the entertainment value it brings. Blue skies and may there always be enough registers for your code!