Tom Cruise's Impressive Collection of Aircraft: From Top Gun Maverick to Mission: Impossible

Tom Cruise's P-51 Mustang in Top Gun: Maverick

In the long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise's flying sequences were a major highlight, especially since Cruise actually flew in the movie. The film follows Maverick training a new group of young pilots, including Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw, played by Miles Teller. The tension between Maverick and Rooster leads to a touching ending involving a vintage P-51 Mustang, which holds significance in both the movie and Cruise's real-life aviation endeavors.

Maverick and Penny flying in the P51 at the end of Top Gun: Maverick

The P-51 Mustang featured in the final scene of Top Gun: Maverick is owned by Tom Cruise in real life. Cruise's passion for aviation was ignited during the filming of the original Top Gun movie in 1986, and he became a licensed pilot in 1994. The P-51 Mustang, built in 1946, has an estimated value of $4 million and has been in Cruise's possession since 2001.

Tom Cruise Flying a Plane in Top Gun: Maverick

While Cruise was unable to fly the F-18 in Top Gun: Maverick due to Navy restrictions, he piloted the P-51 Mustang during the scene in which Maverick flies with Penny, played by Jennifer Connelly. Cruise's dedication to flying his own planes adds a deeper connection between the actor and his iconic character, Maverick.

Tom Cruise flying a jet in Top Gun Maverick

Cruise's Impressive Aircraft Collection

In addition to the P-51 Mustang, Tom Cruise owns two more aircraft, showcasing his genuine passion for flying. One of his notable possessions is the Gulfstream IV jet, valued at $20 million, which boasts luxurious amenities such as a Jacuzzi and a screening room. Cruise's personal aircraft collection reflects his adventurous and thrill-seeking nature, aligning with the character of 'Maverick' Mitchell, whom he portrays in Top Gun: Maverick.

Tom Cruise smiling as he speaks to the Top Gun officers in Top Gun: Maverick

Cruise's insistence on limited CGI in Top Gun: Maverick further emphasizes his commitment to authenticity in portraying aerial sequences. Despite his desire to fly the Boeing F-18 fighter jet featured in the movie, Cruise's request was denied by the U.S. Navy, likely due to insurance and budgetary reasons. This decision underscores the extent of Cruise's dedication to genuine flight experiences in his films.

Tom Cruise flying a fighter jet as Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick.

Cruise's Aviation Enthusiasm and Hollywood Peers

Tom Cruise's love for aviation extends beyond his roles in films. Paramount capitalized on Cruise's genuine passion for flying, prominently featuring his P-51 Mustang in the marketing for Top Gun: Maverick. The studio's recognition of Cruise's aviation enthusiasm underscores his significance to the Top Gun franchise and his dedicated fan base.

Tom Cruise speaking while in a fighter jet cockpit in Top Gun: Maverick.

Cruise's devotion to aviation also aligns him with other celebrities who share a love for flying. Notably, various actors, filmmakers, and musicians, including Mark Wahlberg, Harrison Ford, and Steven Spielberg, own their own private jets for travel. This shared interest highlights the allure of aviation among renowned figures in the entertainment industry.

Tom Cruise sitting in a cockpit and giving a thumbs up in Top Gun

Furthermore, Cruise's commitment to performing daring stunts extends to his other film projects, particularly the Mission: Impossible series. His willingness to undergo rigorous training and perform challenging stunts, such as piloting helicopters and executing high-risk maneuvers, has solidified his reputation as a dedicated and adventurous actor.

A helicopter in Mission Impossible Fallout