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F-5E Tiger II vs MiG-21 Fishbed

American fighter jet, used in the Cold War era, notable for its worldwide military deployments, including operation Desert Storm.
Northrop F-5E Tiger II combat aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 11 August 1972
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 1399 units
Average unit price $3 million
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 πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί 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 17.3 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 8.1 m β—‰
Height 4.1 m β—‰
Length 14.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1700 km/h β—‰
Operational range 891 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,789 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg β—‰
Empty weight 4,349 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,588 kgf β—‰
Wing area 23.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 7.2 m β—‰
Height 4.1 m β—‰
Length 13.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2125 km/h β—‰
Operational range 660 km β—‰
Service ceiling 19,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg β—‰
Empty weight 4,871 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the F-5E Tiger II's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 425 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-5E Tiger II has a longer range at 891 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-5E Tiger II's 15,789 meters (51,801 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-5E Tiger II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,187 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-5E Tiger II is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-5E Tiger II is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 18 years before the F-5E Tiger II which entered service in 1976.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5E Tiger II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 1,399 units of the F-5E Tiger II.