What Ship Was Top Gun Filmed On?
The iconic movie Top Gun, released in 1986, starring Tom Cruise as Maverick, took the world by storm with its high-flying stunts, romance, and adrenaline-fueled action. But, have you ever wondered what ship was the backdrop for these thrilling sequences? In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of naval aviation and explore the answer to this question.
Filming Locations
The movie’s production team carefully selected two aircraft carriers, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and the USS Ranger (CVN-61), as the main filming locations for Top Gun. The aircraft carriers played a crucial role in providing a realistic and immersive environment for the scenes.
| Aircraft Carrier | Location |
|---|---|
| USS Enterprise (CVN-65) | San Diego, California, USA |
| USS Ranger (CVN-61) | Coronado, California, USA |
Contents
The USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
The USS Enterprise, affectionately known as "The Big E," was the flagship of the US Navy and the primary filming location for Top Gun. Commissioned in 1961, the aircraft carrier had undergone several modifications and upgrades before the filming. The ship’s massive flight deck, approximately 260 meters (850 feet) long, and its four elevators played a significant role in showcasing the F-14 Tomcat’s incredible takeoff and landing sequences.
Some notable scenes featuring the USS Enterprise include:
- The iconic slow-motion F-14 Tomcat launch: Maverick’s heart-pumping F-14 Tomcat takes off from the USS Enterprise’s deck, capturing the audience’s attention.
- Nighttime takeoffs and landings: The film crew captured stunning scenes of Tomcats launching and recovering during the night, using special lighting and filming techniques.
The USS Ranger (CVN-61)
Although the USS Enterprise was the primary filming location, some scenes were also shot on the USS Ranger, anchored off the coast of Coronado, California. This aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1957 and was known for its Angled Deck design, which allowed planes to launch and recover in a wider range of sea conditions.
Some notable scenes featuring the USS Ranger include:
- Maverick and Goose’s nighttime flight: The scene where Maverick and Goose are flying back to the carrier, engaging in a tense conversation about their relationship and the demands of being a fighter pilot.
- The volleyball game: In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, the F-14 Tomcat pilots engage in a friendly volleyball game, showcasing their camaraderie and banter.
Additional Filming Locations
In addition to the two aircraft carriers, the movie’s production team also shot scenes on various other locations, including:
- Miramar Naval Air Station: Located in San Diego, California, this base served as a secondary location for some aerial scenes.
- NAWS China Lake: The Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California was used for ground-based scenes and aerial combat sequences.
- Kaiser Steel Plant: This steel plant in Fontana, California, was converted into a movie set, featuring the film’s iconic Hangar Flight Deck scene.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Top Gun movie used two aircraft carriers, the USS Enterprise and the USS Ranger, as the main filming locations, providing an authentic and breathtaking backdrop for the film’s aerial action sequences. While the movie’s success is largely due to its cast, writing, and music, the choice of these iconic warships played a significant role in capturing the essence of naval aviation.
