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

A-6 Intruder vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Grumman A-6 Intruder combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-6 Intruder
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-6 Intruder MiG-21 Fishbed
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 19 April 1960 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1963 1958
Number produced 693 units 11496 units
Average unit price $25 million $2 million
Wing area 49.1 m² 23.0 m²
Wingspan 16.2 m 7.2 m
Height 4.8 m 4.1 m
Length 16.6 m 13.5 m
Maximum speed 1040 km/h 2125 km/h
Operational range 1,702 km 660 km
Service ceiling 12,400 m 19,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,500 kg 8,625 kg
Empty weight 11,630 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,218 kgf 1 x 4,689 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-6 Intruder and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Mikoyan-Gurevich respectively.

The MiG-21 Fishbed reaches 2,125 km/h — 2.0x the A-6 Intruder's 1,040 km/h. The A-6 Intruder has an operational range of 1,702 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 12,400 m for the A-6 Intruder. At 27,500 kg MTOW, the A-6 Intruder is 3.2x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The A-6 Intruder has been produced in 693 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $25M for the A-6 Intruder vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 5 years before the A-6 Intruder (1955 vs 1960).

Related Comparisons
A-6 Intruder vs MiG-15 Fagot A-6 Intruder vs MiG-17 Fresco A-6 Intruder vs F-86 Sabre A-6 Intruder vs F-84 Thunderjet A-6 Intruder vs F-4 Phantom II A-6 Intruder vs MiG-23 Flogger

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the A-6 Intruder's 1,040 km/h, a difference of 1,085 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-6 Intruder has a longer range at 1,702 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the A-6 Intruder's 12,400 meters (40,682 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-6 Intruder has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,500 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-6 Intruder is longer at 16.6 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The A-6 Intruder is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 5 years before the A-6 Intruder which entered service in 1963.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-6 Intruder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 693 units of the A-6 Intruder.