A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The A-4 Skyhawk and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 1,077 km/h for the A-4 Skyhawk vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The A-4 Skyhawk has an operational range of 1,867 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 12,880 m for the A-4 Skyhawk. The A-4 Skyhawk has been produced in 2,960 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $2M for the A-4 Skyhawk vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The A-4 Skyhawk first flew 1 years before the MiG-21 Fishbed (1954 vs 1955).

American light attack jet, extensively deployed in the Vietnam War, notable for carrier-based operations and close air support roles.
McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 22 June 1954
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 2960 units
Average unit price $2 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 24.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.4 m â—‰
Height 4.6 m â—‰
Length 12.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1077 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,867 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,880 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,750 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf â—‰
Wing area 23.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.2 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 13.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2125 km/h â—‰
Operational range 660 km â—‰
Service ceiling 19,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,871 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 1,048 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 1,867 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12,880 meters (42,257 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,136 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is longer at 13.5 meters compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the A-4 Skyhawk at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-4 Skyhawk entered service first in 1956, 2 years before the MiG-21 Fishbed which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 2,960 units of the A-4 Skyhawk.