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A-4 Skyhawk vs MiG-23 Flogger

McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-4 Skyhawk
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-23 Flogger
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Specifications
A-4 Skyhawk MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 22 June 1954 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1956 1970
Number produced 2960 units 5047 units
Average unit price $2 million $4 million
Wing area 24.2 m² 37.0 m²
Wingspan 8.4 m 14.0 m
Height 4.6 m 4.8 m
Length 12.2 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 1077 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 1,867 km 1,150 km
Service ceiling 12,880 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,136 kg 17,800 kg
Empty weight 4,750 kg 10,230 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,100 kgf 1 x 12,996 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-4 Skyhawk and the MiG-23 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Mikoyan-Gurevich 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).

Related Comparisons
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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.