F-16 Fighting Falcon vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Overview

The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by General Dynamics and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively.

Top speed is 2,410 km/h for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has an operational range of 546 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 18,288 m for the F-16 Fighting Falcon. At 19,200 kg MTOW, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is 2.2x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in 4,604 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 19 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1955 vs 1974).

F-16 Fighting Falcon

American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics
First flight 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1979
Number produced 4604 units
Average unit price $75 million
→ View full F-16 Fighting Falcon 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 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-16 Fighting Falcon

Wing area 27.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.0 m ◉
Height 4.9 m ◉
Length 15.1 m ◉
Maximum speed 2410 km/h ◉
Operational range 546 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,288 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg ◉
Empty weight 8,570 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 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-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 285 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a longer range at 660 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 18,288 meters (60,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 21 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 4,604 units of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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