Top Shooter: Maverick This is one of the biggest surprises of this season. It not only became one of the highest grossing releases, but also brought back classic dogfight scenes. In the new movie, Maverick pilots an F-18 Super Hornet and the legendary F-14 Tomcat, which at some point engage “fifth generation fighters”. Although the character played by Cruz does not give a name, he is a fighter-bomber. Sukhoi Su-57.
Su-57 is the first fully stealth fighter developed in Russia to replace its Su-27 and MiG 29 aircraft. Known in NATO as the “Felon”, the Su-57 is a single-seat fighter capable of speeds of 2,500 kilometers per hour (Mach 2.25). It has a supersonic range of over 1,500 kilometers and a subsonic range of 3,500 kilometers.
The fifth generation fighter is equipped with two Izdeliye-30 engines, which provide a thrust-to-weight ratio of more than 36,000 kilopoods (kilogram-force). It also includes horizontal and vertical stabilizers, the latter function as an aerodynamic brake when directed inward. In terms of mobility, this plane can perform Pugachev’s Cobraacrobatic maneuver that we see in Top Shooter: Maverick to avoid an attack.
Advanced Stealth Technology
The fuselage of the Su-57 is made of composite materials to avoid radar. Stealth technology includes design with straight geometric lines and angular edges which reduce reflections caused by radar waves. An important feature is the presence advanced infrared search and track sensor installed in the nose. This allows him to stalk targets undetected and is able to identify and geolocate enemy radiations.
In terms of armament, the Su-57 has two side bays that can accommodate two short-range air-to-air missiles, as well as two internal bays that can accommodate four BVR missiles. The kit includes a 30mm GSh-301 cannon, which can carry an Hk-38 missile and high-precision bombs for ground targets.
Finally, Su-57 has a reinforced chassis. capable of operating at simple airfields. This feature is inherited from its predecessor SU-27 and gives it an advantage over its American counterparts. In case of an emergency, a Russian fighter highway-landable or at an enemy airport.
Warning, spoilers ahead!
Sukhoi Su-57 vs F-14 Tomcat: who will win the confrontation?
scene from Top Shooter: Maverick it involves the main characters being chased by Russian Su-57 fighters. The scene in question occurs when Maverick and Rooster hijack an old F-14. at an Iranian airport after being shot down. On the way to the aircraft carrier the main characters they are shot down by a squadron of 5th generation enemy aircraftso Maverick uses his abilities to counter them.
How realistic is this? According to Air Force pilots, the F-14 Tomcat wouldn’t stand a chance against the Su-57. One of them was trusted 19forty-five that the Tomcat can’t beat a fifth generation aircraft like the F-35.
“I have killed quite a few gen 4 fighters in combat sims. I shot them down from a long distance and they never knew they were dead until they were told about it,” one of them said. “That would easily kill even an older F-14 from Iran or anywhere: they’ll never see me, they won’t know I was there, and they probably won’t spot me on radar.” sure.
The film is fantastic, I just watched it, but viewers should understand that the F-14 Tomcat was built for a different time. It was not designed to take on fifth-generation fighters like the F-35, F-22, or even the less powerful Russian Su-57.
Former US Air Force pilot. www.19fortyfive.com
Even Tom Cruise couldn’t shoot down the Su-57, as in Top Shooter: Maverick
Despite this Maverick has a small opportunity to finish off the Su-57 and the fact is that the enemy pilot makes a mistake or an unsuccessful maneuver. Although on paper the Su-57 is a fifth-generation fighter, has a known weakness: its engine. Russia was unable to mass-produce the Izdeliye 30, so several active models use an older engine.
Western sanctions and war in Ukraine undermined research and development programs. Until September 2014, Russia relied on Europe to make up for the shortcomings of its local industry. After the annexation of Crimea, Vladimir Putin’s government turned to China, but to no avail. In the case of the Su-57, India signed a joint development agreement but withdrew in 2020 after Russia failed to supply a reliable engine.
The Su-57 has been under development since 2002 and was planned as a response to the F-35.. Although the Russian fighter is equipped with fourth-generation engines, a set of advanced systems and sensors will allow it to shoot down the F-14 Tomcat. Not all the cunning, experience, and even more so Tom Cruise’s smile Top Shooter: Maverick They could have avoided it.
Source: Hiper Textual
