AV-8B Harrier II vs MiG-21 Fishbed
The AV-8B Harrier II and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas/BAe and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 1,070 km/h for the AV-8B Harrier II vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The AV-8B Harrier II has an operational range of 2,200 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the AV-8B Harrier II. The AV-8B Harrier II has been produced in 337 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $26M for the AV-8B Harrier II vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 16 years before the AV-8B Harrier II (1955 vs 1971).
| British-American ground-attack aircraft, infamously deployed in numerous conflicts including the Gulf War with unique vertical takeoff/landing capabilities. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas/BAe |
| First flight | 6 January 1971 |
| Year introduced | 1983 |
| Number produced | 337 units |
| Average unit price | $26 million |
| Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts. | |
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| 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 | 22.6 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 9.3 m â—‰ |
| Height | 3.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 14.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1070 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,200 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 14,100 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,340 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 10,500 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 AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 1,070 km/h, a difference of 1,055 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a longer range at 2,200 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the AV-8B Harrier II's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The AV-8B Harrier II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,100 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The AV-8B Harrier II is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The AV-8B Harrier II is more expensive at approximately $26 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 25 years before the AV-8B Harrier II which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AV-8B Harrier II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 337 units of the AV-8B Harrier II.