Why Top Gun Refered to Northrop F-5 Jets as MiG-28s: A Deep Dive

In Top Gun, the Northrop F-5 jets are referred to as MiG-28s for specific reasons. This article explores these reasons, contextualizing the movie within the Cold War era and Hollywood's creative choices. Additionally, we'll discuss why the actual MiG-28 doesn't exist and why the Northrop F-5, despite being an American jet, was chosen for this role.

Fictional Representation and Creative Choice

The MiG-28 in Top Gun is a distinctly fictional aircraft. The filmmakers chose to use the Northrop F-5 as a stand-in for the fictional MiG-28. This was done to leverage the F-5's similar appearance and performance characteristics. The F-5 is a versatile and lightweight fighter jet that served the movie's plot well, portraying an enemy aircraft without compromising the story's realism.

Cold War Context

Top Gun was released at a time when the United States was deeply engaged in the Cold War. The portrayal of Soviet aircraft was a common theme in military films of the era. By designating the enemy jets as MiG-28s, the filmmakers were able to create a more dramatic narrative without directly implicating any real-world enemy aircraft. This allowed for greater flexibility and creativity in the plot, enhancing the overall film experience.

Why Not Use Real MiGs?

While the movie needed enemy jets, these couldn't be American jets, and they couldn't use real MiGs due to logistical and ethical reasons. Hollywood couldn't just call up the Soviet Union and ask to borrow a few MiGs for a movie. Moreover, other well-known American fighters like the F-15, F-16, or F/A-18 would have been too recognizable. The Northrop F-5, despite being an American jet, was sufficiently different from common American aircraft to pass as a Soviet fighter to American audiences.

Why the MiG-28 Doesn't Exist

To clarify, there is no such thing as a MiG-28. According to official records, all MiG fighter jets use odd-number designations. There are MiG-27s and MiG-29s, but no MiG-28s. This specific detail adds an additional layer of fiction to the movie, reinforcing the theoretical nature of the MiG-28 designation.

The Beauty of the Northrop F-5

The Northrop F-5, despite being an American jet, was unfairly maligned by the movie's depiction. As a child, many believed that Russian fighter jets were the most beautiful in the world. However, reality paints a different picture. Before the advent of their fourth-generation fighters, Russian jets were not known for their aesthetic appeal. The MiG-29, for instance, is only marginally better-looking than the F-16 or F/A-18, but certainly not in the same league as the F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lightning II.

Conclusion

Top Gun's use of the MiG-28 designation is a creative choice rooted in both the Cold War era and the need for a compelling narrative. The Northrop F-5, while an American jet, served the movie's plot, and the lack of a real MiG-28 only added to the film's fictional world. Understanding these creative decisions provides a deeper appreciation for the movie's historical and cultural context.