Cheetah vs MiG-21 Fishbed
| South African jet fighter, evolved in the Cold War era, extensively deployed for air defence and aerial refuelling missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Atlas |
| First flight | 16 July 1986 |
| Year introduced | 1986 |
| Number produced | 38 units |
| Average unit price | $-- 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 | 34.8 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 8.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.7 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2338 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,300 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 17,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 16,500 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 7,400 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 0 â—‰ |
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| 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—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Photo of Cheetah by South African Air Force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Cheetah or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Cheetah is faster with a maximum speed of 2,338 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 213 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Cheetah or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Cheetah has a longer range at 1,300 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the Cheetah or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Cheetah's 17,000 meters (55,774 ft).
Which is heavier, the Cheetah or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Cheetah has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 16,500 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the Cheetah or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Cheetah is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the Cheetah or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 28 years before the Cheetah which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Cheetah or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 38 units of the Cheetah.