Were are Goose and Maverick when you need them!
Goose and Mav lost that lovin’ feeling...
You jest, but that movie was a realistic representation of at least one thing: rules of engagement. In the opening scene, you see the squadron commander scream at the radio operator:
"150 miles! Get 'em out of here! If they break 100 miles, launch the Alert 5 aircraft!"
In the days of Reagan, we didn't let the Evil Empire buzz our ships.