A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-23 Flogger

The A-4 Skyhawk and the MiG-23 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. The MiG-23 Flogger reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.3x the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h. The A-4 Skyhawk has an operational range of 1,867 km vs 1,150 km for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 12,880 m for the A-4 Skyhawk. The A-4 Skyhawk has been produced in 2,960 units vs 5,047 for the MiG-23 Flogger. Unit cost is $2M for the A-4 Skyhawk vs $4M for the MiG-23 Flogger. The A-4 Skyhawk first flew 13 years before the MiG-23 Flogger (1954 vs 1967).

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 third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-23 Flogger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 5047 units
Average unit price $4 million
Wing area 24.2 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m
Height 4.6 m
Length 12.2 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h
Operational range 1,867 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf
Wing area 37.0 m²
Wingspan 14.0 m
Height 4.8 m
Length 16.7 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h
Operational range 1,150 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 17,800 kg
Empty weight 10,230 kg
Total thrust 1 x 12,996 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 1,077 km/h, a difference of 1,423 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The A-4 Skyhawk has a longer range at 1,867 km compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 1,150 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12,880 meters (42,257 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 17,800 kg compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 11,136 kg.
Which is larger, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the A-4 Skyhawk's 12.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the A-4 Skyhawk at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The A-4 Skyhawk entered service first in 1956, 14 years before the MiG-23 Flogger which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-4 Skyhawk or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 2,960 units of the A-4 Skyhawk.