Introduction
If you are a fan of aviation movies, then you must have watched the 2016 movie, Sully. The movie is based on the true story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who safely landed a US Airways Airbus A320-214 on the Hudson River after both engines were disabled by a flock of Canada geese. While the movie mainly focuses on the heroic actions of Captain Sullenberger and his crew, it also features a fighter jet that plays a crucial role in the story.
The Fighter Jet in Sully Movie
The fighter jet that appears in Sully movie is a Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, a twin-engine supersonic fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Boeing. The F/A-18 Hornet has been in service since 1983 and is widely used by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. In the movie, the F/A-18 Hornet is shown flying over New York City just after the US Airways Airbus A320-214 ditched in the Hudson River.
Why the Fighter Jet was in New York City?
The fighter jet was in New York City as part of the military response to the emergency landing of the US Airways Airbus A320-214 on the Hudson River. After the airplane landed on the water, the Coast Guard and the New York City Police Department quickly dispatched boats to the scene to rescue the passengers and crew. The fighter jet was also sent to provide air cover and ensure the safety of the rescue operation.
The Role of the Fighter Jet in Sully Movie
The fighter jet plays a crucial role in the movie, as it adds tension and drama to the story. After the US Airways Airbus A320-214 landed on the Hudson River, the passengers and crew were rescued by boats, and everyone seemed to be safe. However, the movie shows that the fighter jet pilot reported to air traffic control that there was still one person unaccounted for, which led to a frantic search for the missing passenger.
The Accuracy of the Fighter Jet Scene in Sully Movie
While the Sully movie is based on a true story, some of the details have been changed for dramatic effect. The scene with the fighter jet is one such example. In reality, there was no fighter jet involved in the rescue operation, and all passengers and crew were rescued within 24 minutes after the airplane landed on the Hudson River. However, the movie’s portrayal of the fighter jet adds tension and excitement to the story, making it more engaging for the audience.
The F/A-18 Hornet: A Brief Overview
The F/A-18 Hornet is a versatile fighter aircraft that can perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. It has a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of over 2,000 miles. The F/A-18 Hornet has been used in many military operations, including the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.
The Future of the F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet has been in service for over 30 years, and the US Navy and Marine Corps are currently considering replacing it with newer aircraft. One of the potential replacements is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which is an upgraded version of the F/A-18 Hornet. The Super Hornet has improved avionics, radar, and weapons systems, and it has a larger fuel capacity and range than the F/A-18 Hornet.
Conclusion
The fighter jet scene in Sully movie adds excitement and tension to the story, but it is not entirely accurate. The F/A-18 Hornet is a versatile fighter aircraft that has been in service for over 30 years, and it is still widely used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. While the F/A-18 Hornet may be replaced by newer aircraft in the future, it will always be remembered for its service and versatility.
