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F-16 Fighting Falcon vs MiG-23 Flogger

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Specifications
F-16 Fighting Falcon MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 2 February 1974 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1979 1970
Number produced 4604 units 5047 units
Average unit price $75 million $4 million
Wing area 27.9 m² 37.0 m²
Wingspan 10.0 m 14.0 m
Height 4.9 m 4.8 m
Length 15.1 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 2410 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 546 km 1,150 km
Service ceiling 18,288 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg 17,800 kg
Empty weight 8,570 kg 10,230 kg
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 kgf 1 x 12,996 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F-16 Fighting Falcon and the MiG-23 Flogger 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 2,500 km/h for the MiG-23 Flogger. The F-16 Fighting Falcon has an operational range of 546 km vs 1,150 km for the MiG-23 Flogger. The F-16 Fighting Falcon operates at altitudes up to 18,288 m compared to 18,000 m for the MiG-23 Flogger.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in 4,604 units vs 5,047 for the MiG-23 Flogger. Unit cost is $75M for the F-16 Fighting Falcon vs $4M for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger first flew 7 years before the F-16 Fighting Falcon (1967 vs 1974).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 2,410 km/h, a difference of 90 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a longer range at 1,150 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 17,800 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 15.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the MiG-23 Flogger at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger entered service first in 1970, 9 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-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 4,604 units of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.