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

F-105 Thunderchief vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Republic F-105 Thunderchief combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-105 Thunderchief
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
Change comparison vs
Specifications
F-105 Thunderchief MiG-21 Fishbed
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Republic Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 22 October 1955 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1958 1958
Number produced 833 units 11496 units
Average unit price $2.7 million $2 million
Wing area 35.8 m² 23.0 m²
Wingspan 10.7 m 7.2 m
Height 6.0 m 4.1 m
Length 19.6 m 13.5 m
Maximum speed 2208 km/h 2125 km/h
Operational range 1,252 km 660 km
Service ceiling 14,783 m 19,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,834 kg 8,625 kg
Empty weight 12,470 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 12,020 kgf 1 x 4,689 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F-105 Thunderchief and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Republic and Mikoyan-Gurevich respectively.

Top speed is 2,208 km/h for the F-105 Thunderchief vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The F-105 Thunderchief has an operational range of 1,252 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 14,783 m for the F-105 Thunderchief. At 23,834 kg MTOW, the F-105 Thunderchief is 2.8:1 the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The F-105 Thunderchief has been produced in 833 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $2.7M for the F-105 Thunderchief vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed.

Related Comparisons
F-105 Thunderchief vs Il-2 Sturmovik F-105 Thunderchief vs MiG-15 Fagot F-105 Thunderchief vs Yak-9 Frank F-105 Thunderchief vs MiG-17 Fresco F-105 Thunderchief vs F-86 Sabre F-105 Thunderchief vs F-84 Thunderjet

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-105 Thunderchief is faster with a maximum speed of 2,208 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 83 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-105 Thunderchief has a longer range at 1,252 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-105 Thunderchief's 14,783 meters (48,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-105 Thunderchief has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,834 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-105 Thunderchief is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-105 Thunderchief is more expensive at approximately $2.7 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 0 years before the F-105 Thunderchief which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-105 Thunderchief or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 833 units of the F-105 Thunderchief.