F-14 Tomcat vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Overview

The F-14 Tomcat and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively.

Top speed is 2,485 km/h for the F-14 Tomcat vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The F-14 Tomcat has an operational range of 3,000 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 17,069 m for the F-14 Tomcat. At 33,724 kg MTOW, the F-14 Tomcat is 3.9x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The F-14 Tomcat has been produced in 712 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $38M for the F-14 Tomcat vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 15 years before the F-14 Tomcat (1955 vs 1970).

F-14 Tomcat

American supersonic, twin-engine fighter jet, dominant during the Cold War, extensively deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Grumman F-14 Tomcat combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 21 December 1970
Year introduced 1972
Number produced 712 units
Average unit price $38 million
→ View full F-14 Tomcat details

MiG-21 Fishbed

Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side 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
→ View full MiG-21 Fishbed details

F-14 Tomcat

Wing area 52.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 19.6 m ◉
Height 4.9 m ◉
Length 19.1 m ◉
Maximum speed 2485 km/h ◉
Operational range 3,000 km ◉
Service ceiling 17,069 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 33,724 kg ◉
Empty weight 18,191 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 11,204 kgf ◉

MiG-21 Fishbed

Wing area 23.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.2 m ◉
Height 4.1 m ◉
Length 13.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 2125 km/h ◉
Operational range 660 km ◉
Service ceiling 19,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg ◉
Empty weight 4,871 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-14 Tomcat is faster with a maximum speed of 2,485 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 360 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-14 Tomcat has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-14 Tomcat's 17,069 meters (56,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-14 Tomcat has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,724 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-14 Tomcat is longer at 19.1 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-14 Tomcat is more expensive at approximately $38 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 14 years before the F-14 Tomcat which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-14 Tomcat or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 712 units of the F-14 Tomcat.

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