F-86 Sabre vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The F-86 Sabre and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by North American and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 1,127 km/h for the F-86 Sabre vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The F-86 Sabre has an operational range of 2,454 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 15,850 m for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre has been produced in 9,860 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The F-86 Sabre first flew 8 years before the MiG-21 Fishbed (1947 vs 1955).

American fighter jet, iconic of the Korean War period, widely operational across cold-war frontline, supersonic, and recognized for its dog-fighting capability.
North American F-86 Sabre Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American
First flight 1 October 1947
Year introduced 1949
Number produced 9860 units
Average unit price $1.2 million
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
Wing area 28.1 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.3 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 11.4 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1127 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,454 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,850 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 9,621 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,443 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 3,402 kgf â—‰
Wing area 23.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.2 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 13.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2125 km/h â—‰
Operational range 660 km â—‰
Service ceiling 19,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,871 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 998 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-86 Sabre's 15,850 meters (52,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-86 Sabre has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 9,621 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is longer at 13.5 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 9 years before the MiG-21 Fishbed which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 9,860 units of the F-86 Sabre.