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A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-21 Fishbed

McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-4 Skyhawk
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
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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 13.5 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h 2125 km/h
Operational range 1,867 km 660 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m 19,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg 8,625 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf 1 x 4,689 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-4 Skyhawk and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Mikoyan-Gurevich 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).

Related Comparisons
A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-15 Fagot A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-17 Fresco A-4 Skyhawk vs F-86 Sabre A-4 Skyhawk vs F-84 Thunderjet A-4 Skyhawk vs F-4 Phantom II A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-23 Flogger

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.