Renowned Russian test pilot Sergey Bogdan, known for his work on advanced fighter jets like the Su-57, has accused the filmmakers of "Top Gun: Maverick" of appropriating one of his signature aerial combat maneuvers.
Bogdan, who was a prominent figure at Aero India 2025, claims the maneuver was lifted directly from his demonstrations at the Maks Airshow in Moscow, where he showcased the extreme agility and combat capabilities of Russian aircraft.
The maneuver in question involves a daring spiral descent, transitioning into a low-speed, high-angle attack. This tactic, according to Bogdan, allows a fighter jet to quickly lose altitude and disrupt an enemy's targeting system, turning the tables in a dogfight. By forcing the pursuing aircraft to overshoot, the pilot performing the maneuver gains a significant tactical advantage.
Bogdan asserts that this maneuver is crucial for modern fighter jets, enabling them to overcome adversaries with superior speed or altitude. He emphasized its importance in situations where conventional tactics prove ineffective.
"The ability to quickly transition to a low-speed, high-angle attack can completely change the dynamics of a dogfight,” Bogdan explained.
The controversy stems from a pivotal scene in "Top Gun: Maverick" where a similar maneuver is used during an intense dogfight with a Su-57. While the film has been lauded for its realistic and thrilling aerial sequences, Bogdan expressed his disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment for his contribution.
"Back in the day, we performed the demonstration in Moscow at the Maks Dogfight, where one aircraft executes a spiral descent maneuver while the other shoots ahead," Bogdan stated. "This maneuver was featured in the film Top Gun: Maverick during the aerial battle against the Su-57. I have just demonstrated this maneuver as well.”
He further elaborated on the maneuver's tactical significance, highlighting how it allows an aircraft to achieve high angles of attack, decelerate rapidly, and transition to low speed, ultimately forcing the opponent into a vulnerable position.
This accusation raises questions about the creative process behind the aerial combat choreography in "Top Gun: Maverick." While inspiration can be drawn from various sources, failing to acknowledge the original innovator of such a distinctive maneuver leaves the film open to criticism.
It remains to be seen how the filmmakers will respond to Bogdan's claims. This incident highlights the complexities of representing real-world military tactics in fictional contexts and the importance of recognizing the contributions of those who develop and demonstrate them.
