A-10 Thunderbolt II vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Republic and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. The MiG-21 Fishbed reaches 2,125 km/h — 3.1x the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has an operational range of 463 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 13,716 m for the A-10 Thunderbolt II. At 22,680 kg MTOW, the A-10 Thunderbolt II is 2.6x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been produced in 716 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $20M for the A-10 Thunderbolt II vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 17 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II (1955 vs 1972).

American close air support aircraft, renowned for service in the Gulf War with distinctive tank-destroying capabilities.
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairchild Republic
First flight 10 May 1972
Year introduced 1975
Number produced 716 units
Average unit price $20 million
Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1958
Number produced 11496 units
Average unit price $2 million
Wing area 47.0 m²
Wingspan 17.5 m
Height 4.5 m
Length 16.3 m
Maximum speed 675 km/h
Operational range 463 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg
Empty weight 11,321 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,224 kgf
Wing area 23.0 m²
Wingspan 7.2 m
Height 4.1 m
Length 13.5 m
Maximum speed 2125 km/h
Operational range 660 km
Service ceiling 19,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg
Empty weight 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h, a difference of 1,450 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a longer range at 660 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 463 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 13,716 meters (45,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,680 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 17 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 716 units of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.