GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-21 Fishbed

A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-21 Fishbed at a glance — top speed 1,077 vs 2,175 km/h, range 4,063 vs 793 km, max takeoff weight 11,136 vs 10,400 kg, built 2,960 vs 11,496 units.

McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-4 SkyhawkFull specs
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 FishbedFull specs
Specifications
A-4 Skyhawk MiG-21 Fishbed
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 22 June 1954 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1956 1958
Number produced 2960 units 11496 units
Average unit price $2 million $2 million
Wing area 24.2 m² 23.0 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m 7.2 m
Height 4.6 m 4.1 m
Length 12.2 m 14.7 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h 2175 km/h
Operational range 4,063 km 793 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m 17,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg 10,400 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf 1 x 7,095 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Explore further
A-4 Skyhawk side profile drawing A-4 Skyhawk Specs, operators & history →
Largest operators · in service
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide Soviet & Russian Fighters Chinese Fighter Aircraft US Aircraft Designations Soviet and Russian Aircraft Designations
A-4 Skyhawk vs Il-2 Sturmovik A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-15 Fagot A-4 Skyhawk vs Yak-9 Frank A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-17 Fresco A-4 Skyhawk vs F-86 Sabre A-4 Skyhawk vs Il-10 Beast

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 2,175 km/h compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 1,098 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 4,063 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 793 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 17,500 meters (57,414 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 10,400 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is longer at 14.7 meters compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-21 Fishbed?
Both the A-4 Skyhawk and MiG-21 Fishbed cost approximately $2.0 million per unit.
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.