National Geographic’s Top Guns: The Next Generation follows Navy and Marine Corps students through demanding naval aviation training at Naval Air Station Meridian, from bombing practice and carrier-landing work to air-combat instruction and graduation. The “Top Gun” in the series title is popular shorthand: these students are training to become naval aviators, not attending the Navy Fighter Weapons School known as TOPGUN.
What the documentary follows
In a September 15, 2025 feature, Ars Technica’s Jennifer Ouellette reports from the training pipeline and describes a series that combines in-cockpit footage with behind-the-scenes scenes. Viewers see students work through bombing practice, carrier landings and dogfighting instruction as they advance toward earning their wings. The story centers on the demands of training rather than presenting the students as already-qualified fleet pilots.
Capt. Juston “Poker” Kuch, who oversees training and operations at NAS Meridian, describes a mix of classroom preparation, simulator sessions and live flights. Each gives students a different kind of learning environment.
Why simulators and live flights both matter
Simulators make it possible to pause and repeat
Kuch explains that instructors can pause a simulated event, discuss what happened with a student, and run the exercise again. That creates time to examine a decision or response before trying the scenario once more.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- F/A-18F Super Hornet is a multirole, carrier-capable fighter jet, the backbone of U.S. naval aviation, replacing the F-14 Tomcat and serving alongside its electronic warfare variant, the EA-18G Growler, known for its advanced avionics, radar, and versatility in missions from air superiority to ground attack
- 1:72 scale military model plane. weight about 0.77lb(350g), body length is 8.57in, the Width is 5.9in
- The fuselage and wings of the aircraft is made of high quality alloy, the tail of the aircraft is made of engineering plastic, missiles, the landing gears are also made of engineering plastic
- Package:Contains a whole aircraft and a display stand
- Diecast model is highly restored with details of the real aircraft, suitable as an ornament and collector's item
Live flights keep moving
In an aircraft, the event continues while the plane is moving. The contrast, as Kuch presents it, is not that one format replaces the other: simulator work offers room to stop and debrief, while live flying puts students in a flight that cannot be paused for discussion.
“Top Guns” does not mean the students are at TOPGUN
The documentary’s title should not be confused with the Navy Fighter Weapons School, commonly called TOPGUN. The official Chief of Naval Air Training description places the T-45C program at Training Air Wing One at NAS Meridian and Training Air Wing Two at Kingsville in intermediate and advanced strike training. It describes this syllabus as a foundation for future tailhook aviators before they continue into fleet aircraft communities. In other words, the series follows students in a training pipeline, not a class at the Fighter Weapons School.
Rank #2
- Detailed Aircraft Toy: Die-cast metal Cessna C172 Skyhawk aircraft featuring detailed design and real markings.
- Runway Section Included: Includes a flexible rubber runway section that can be used with other RUNWAY24 sets.
- Build Your Own Airport: Combine runway sections from different RUNWAY24 sets to create your own airport setup.
- Military Aviation Design: Features a military aviation-style aircraft with realistic markings for imaginative play and collecting.
- Ages 3+: Designed for ages 3 and up, making it a fun addition to aircraft collections and imaginative play.
Chief of Naval Air Training: Naval Aviator Training
What Kuch says successful students have in common
Kuch says the students’ personalities vary, but he sees a shared willingness to work, learn from setbacks and remain committed to the mission. As he put it: “The individual personality, whether they’re extroverts, introverts, quiet, are varied. But there is a common thread through all of them: dedication to mission, hard work, willing to take failure and setbacks on board, and get better for the next evolution.” That is his professional observation from overseeing training, not a measured finding about all aviators.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Birthday Theme Design: Features a blue passenger aircraft look with colorful birthday lettering, balloon graphics, silver wings, twin engines, and cabin window details.
- Diecast Alloy Body: Made with an alloy body and plastic parts for a solid feel and a refined display appearance.
- Compact Display Size: Measures about 5.9 inches in length and 5.1 inches in width, suitable for desks, shelves, cabinets, and office displays.
- Colorful Aircraft Details: Includes detailed wings, engines, tail, landing gear, cockpit windows, and bright printed graphics for a festive aviation look.
- Great Display Gift: A fun collectible airplane model for aviation fans, aircraft model collectors, birthday party décor, desk decoration, and display collections.
G-forces and preparation
The Ars Technica feature also discusses students’ increasing exposure to G-forces as training progresses. Kuch says aircrew use a G-suit and an anti-G straining maneuver. In talking about preparation, including fitness, nutrition and sleep, he sums it up with: “You got to be an athlete.” These are details about the training as described in the feature, not general medical guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where and when to watch
The original schedule reported by Ars Technica was a National Geographic premiere on September 16, 2025, followed by streaming on Disney+ the next day. That schedule does not establish whether the series is available now or in a particular country; check the current listings for your region.
Rank #4
- Precision Historic Aviation Art – This 1:72 scale model authentically recreates the legendary "Hellcat Hero" – the iconic F6F Hellcat carrier-based fighters of U.S. Navy Squadron VF-16. Featuring the squadron's distinctive "Fighting Sixteen" insignia with its fierce winged tiger emblem painted in classic navy blue and white, these rugged warplanes dominated the Pacific skies with their formidable combat record, capturing the spirit of American naval aviation during the pivotal campaigns of World War II
- Superior Detail & Craftsmanship – Precision-molded from aviation-grade engineering polymer for exceptional historical accuracy. This material maintains the F6F Hellcat's characteristically robust wing geometry and reinforced landing gear structures without warping, replicates its distinctive fuselage rivet patterns and engine cowling details through microscale surface engraving
- Ready for Immediate Display - Comes fully assembled with a included display stand. Simply unbox it to showcase this engineering marvel on your desk, shelf, or in a cabinet—no tools or glue required
- Collector-Quality Presentation - Features detailed landing gear, weapon bay outlines, and a presentation base. It’s the perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates advanced military technology
- Thoughtful & Hassle-Free Presentation - The model is securely packaged in a protective box, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition. It’s the complete, thoughtful gift solution—no need for separate wrapping or last-minute shopping stress
Ars Technica: “Get into the cockpit as new crop of ‘Top Gun’ pilots get their wings”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Precision Naval Aviation Design - The Type 99 (Aichi D3A "Val") accurately captures the iconic fixed landing gear configuration, radial engine cowling, and Imperial Japanese Navy green camouflage. Features include detailed dive brake panels, authentic red "meatball" hinomaru markings, and mounted 250kg bombs, representing Japan's premier carrier-borne dive bomber that spearheaded naval attacks from Pearl Harbor to the Coral Sea
- Superior Detail & Craftsmanship - Crafted from high-grade plastic for exceptional detail fidelity. This material ensures crisp, un-warped leading edges, intricate surface engraving, and a flawless paint application superior to many die-cast models at this price point
- Ready for Immediate Display - Comes fully assembled with a included display stand. Simply unbox it to showcase this engineering marvel on your desk, shelf, or in a cabinet—no tools or glue required
- Collector-Quality Presentation - Features detailed landing gear, weapon bay outlines, and a presentation base. It’s the perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates advanced military technology
- Thoughtful & Hassle-Free Presentation - The model is securely packaged in a protective box, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition. It’s the complete, thoughtful gift solution—no need for separate wrapping or last-minute shopping stress
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
