Show Notes
One of the stars of the 1986 movie 'Top Gun' was undeniably the F-14 Tomcat,.
On this episode, we dig deep into what it took to create this memorable film. From the canopy-to-canopy scene, tower fly-by, and low-altitude flights over the desert, filming Top Gun required careful coordination and skillful performance from all involved, including the aviators, camera operators, and others.
Former F-14 pilots “Bozo” Abel and “Smegs” Semcken were instrumental participants who offer their first-person recollections of the challenges and successes that helped make this iconic film. They disclose details that are sure to surprise!
As a bonus, at the end of the interview we show a few minutes of never-before-seen HUD video from one of the TOPGUN squadron F-5s while filming scenes involving the “MiG-28.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from F-14 Tomcast
This is the 26th and final episode of the F-14 Tomcast season 1.
It is said that all good things come to an end, and so it was with the Tomcat’s service.
Coalition combat returned to Iraq in 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Among US Navy forces were the Bounty Hunters of VF-2, which brought F-14D Tomcats to the fight. This episode goes into detail on the big fighter’s performance in a challenging threat environment.
In response to the 9/11 terror attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in history, and our guest was a key participant.
The AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missile was a major part of the F-14 program: it affected the Tomcat’s design and was the weapon that gave the Tomcat its unique and most impressive capabilities.