A real world engagement between the F-14 and Su-57 would likely end very differently to that in Top Gun: Maverick, and would almost certainly take place at beyond visual ranges. While the F-14 boasts a larger main radar, it is mechanically rather than electronically scanned and several decades out of date while the Su-57 deploys not one, but six, electronically scanned array radars as well as an infra red search and track system. The immense technological gap between the fighters, and the Su-57's advanced Himalalyas electronic warfare system and AESA radars, would likely leave the F-14 blinded and thus more vulnerable to being targeted at range. The Su-57 could also use its stealth capabilities, combined with its ability to operate without a radar signature using its infrared sensor, to neutralise Tomcats at medium ranges without allowing the adversary to gain a radar lock. The next generation fighter would have even more overwhelming advantages within visual ranges, since the F-14 does not integrate helmet mounted sights or high off boresight capable missiles meaning the Su-57 could engage it at very extreme angles. It would be further aided by its extreme manoeuvrability, considered the best in the world at low speeds, while the F-14 was considered unmaneouvrable even by the standards of its generation.
Review of Top Gun: Maverick
