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A-10 Thunderbolt II vs MiG-23 Flogger

Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-10 Thunderbolt II
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-23 Flogger
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Specifications
A-10 Thunderbolt II MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairchild Republic Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 10 May 1972 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1975 1970
Number produced 716 units 5047 units
Average unit price $20 million $4 million
Wing area 47.0 m² 37.0 m²
Wingspan 17.5 m 14.0 m
Height 4.5 m 4.8 m
Length 16.3 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 675 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 463 km 1,150 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg 17,800 kg
Empty weight 11,321 kg 10,230 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,112 kgf 1 x 12,996 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the MiG-23 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Fairchild Republic and Mikoyan-Gurevich respectively.

The MiG-23 Flogger reaches 2,500 km/h — 3.7x the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has an operational range of 463 km vs 1,150 km for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 13,716 m for the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been produced in 716 units vs 5,047 for the MiG-23 Flogger. Unit cost is $20M for the A-10 Thunderbolt II vs $4M for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger first flew 5 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II (1967 vs 1972).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 675 km/h, a difference of 1,825 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a longer range at 1,150 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 463 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 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-23 Flogger?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 22,680 kg compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 17,800 kg.
Which is larger, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the MiG-23 Flogger at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger entered service first in 1970, 5 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-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 716 units of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.