Computer Reliability

Laser System

The laser targeting system used in the second team to drop bombs in the movie failed. The targeting system was unable to stabilize long enough to lock onto the target vent. This forced the second bomber pilot, call sign Rooster, to drop the bombs without any computerized targeting. This worked in the movie, but is much more difficult for the pilot and is much less of a guarantee.

Enemy Missile Emplacements

The enemy in the movie arranged surface to air missile (SAM) emplacements around the canyon and facility. These did not work effectively until Maverick and the other pilots flew up away from the target after dropping the bombs. This means the SAM emplacements did not do their job effectively. The SAMs were unable to see the planes on radar due to Maverick insisting on flying at extremely low altitude. While this is a technical failure, it is not entirely a computing failure. Placing SAMs in the canyon as well as beside it would have completely prevented this approach.