FAQ

The aircraft is a fictional design called the Darkstar Hypersonic aircraft. It's design was inspired by the Lockheed Martin SR-72 (the proposed successor to the famous SR-71 Blackbird). Aircraft designers from Lockheed Martin's Skunkworks group aided the film's designers in realising the design.

Nope, Just the traditional list of the movie cast and technical specialists

No, it isn't. To have been a proficient enough F-14 aviator for TOPGUN in 1986, Maverick would have to have been approximately 28 years old with at least six years of service by the time of the first film. That would put him past 40 years of service by the events of the second film, not merely "over 30" as the film suggests. The military has been on an "up-or-out" promotion system since the 1950s. Maverick's peers still in the service, such as Iceman, have all made admiral. Once Maverick had been passed over rear admiral the second time (which would have happened in roughly 2010) he would have been processed for involuntary retirement.

The film works around this by suggesting that Iceman has been Maverick's guardian angel. Due to Mav's unparalleled skill and experience, the Navy has somewhat made an exception for his lack of moving up the ranks. Despite each of his commanders very much wanting him gone.

Russian Mi-24 Hind Attack Helicopter

Because the enemy missile sites had counter-measures.

In the novel; "The Man Who Rode the Thunder" by William H. Ranking. The author ejected at high speed above a Thunder Cloud and survived the 35 minute decent, you can make you own judgement. Maverick can also be seen quickly throttling back before the scene cuts.