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Top Gun Over Moscow
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
This program provides a detailed comparison of U.S. and Russian aircraft design and
fighter pilot training. For additional information, see Aircraft Comparisons.
Have students create a time line of the wars each nation has fought over the past two hundred years, marking which wars were won, which were lost, and why. Then have students address the questions of how history and geographic location have influenced each country's military strategies and how the significance of their locations has changed over time. While watching the program, students will note that the Russians and Americans designed their air forces with different military goals. Have students make a list of what kind of features a plane flying long distances would need that a plane intended for short distances would not need (noting differences in fuel capacity, payload, and aircraft design, for example). Have them note which of their ideas are found on the planes featured in the program.
After Watching
Revisit students' lists about what kind of features are necessary for flying a plane short or long distances. Which features seem most important and why?
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