A-5 Vigilante vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The A-5 Vigilante and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by North American and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 2,123 km/h for the A-5 Vigilante vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The A-5 Vigilante has an operational range of 1,804 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 15,880 m for the A-5 Vigilante. At 28,615 kg MTOW, the A-5 Vigilante is 3.3x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The A-5 Vigilante has been produced in 167 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $10M for the A-5 Vigilante vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 3 years before the A-5 Vigilante (1955 vs 1958).

American supersonic bomber, renowned for Cold War nuclear deterrent role, later adapted for reconnaissance missions.
North American A-5 Vigilante Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American
First flight 31 August 1958
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 167 units
Average unit price $10 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 65.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 16.2 m â—‰
Height 5.9 m â—‰
Length 23.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2123 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,804 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,880 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 28,615 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,870 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 9,786 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-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the A-5 Vigilante's 2,123 km/h, a difference of 2 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-5 Vigilante has a longer range at 1,804 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the A-5 Vigilante's 15,880 meters (52,099 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-5 Vigilante has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,615 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the A-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-5 Vigilante is longer at 23.3 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-5 Vigilante is more expensive at approximately $10 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 3 years before the A-5 Vigilante which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-5 Vigilante or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 167 units of the A-5 Vigilante.