How Did They Film Top Gun Maverick
The production used a combination of IMAX digital cameras, traditional 35mm film, and advanced in-cockpit rigs to capture aerial sequences. Filming took place primarily on the USS Abraham Lincoln and at Naval Air Station Lemoore, with additional work at Paramount Studios and other California locations. The team coordinated with the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense to secure real fighter jets and airspace for authentic flight sequences. According to a detailed production breakdown, the film relied on practical effects and real cockpit footage wherever possible, minimizing reliance on green screen. This approach required extensive planning, custom camera housings, and close collaboration with pilots and military advisors. For a broader look at the technology behind modern aerial cinematography, this article on advanced camera systems for aviation filming provides relevant context. Forbes production details
What Cameras and Equipment Were Used
Cinematographer Claudio Miranda and the team used RED V-Raptor and IMAX-certified digital cameras for many sequences, while select dogfight scenes were shot on 35mm film for a specific texture. Inside the cockpits, custom-built camera rigs were mounted to capture close-ups of actors without obstructing flight controls. Exterior aerial shots often used nose-mounted cameras on the F/A-18 Super Hornets and other aircraft, allowing dynamic tracking of formation flights. The production also employed gyro-stabilized mounts and long focal length lenses to maintain clarity during high-speed maneuvers. These choices were documented in interviews and technical breakdowns that explain the balance between digital and film capture in high-speed aviation filming. RED camera case study
How Realism Was Achieved in Flight Sequences
Use of Real Fighter Jets and Military Coordination
The film featured real F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-14 Tomcats, and other military aircraft, with Navy pilots flying many of the aerial sequences. Actors underwent intensive flight training in fighter jets to prepare for their roles, and some scenes were shot with pilots and actors in the same cockpit. The production worked directly with the U.S. Navy to incorporate real carrier operations and air combat maneuvers into the script. This level of access required extensive scheduling, safety protocols, and coordination with active-duty personnel. Navy Times coverage
In-Cockpit Filming Techniques and Safety Measures
To film inside moving cockpits, the crew used custom rigs that could be mounted quickly and safely without compromising aircraft operation. Pilots wore specialized harnesses and communication systems to stay in contact with the ground and air crews during complex maneuvers. Safety observers, military liaisons, and experienced stunt coordinators monitored every flight sequence to minimize risk. The combination of real flight data, pilot input, and precise camera placement helped create the intense, immersive feel of the aerial scenes. Safety and filming techniques