GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

F-86 Sabre vs MiG-21 Fishbed

North American F-86 Sabre combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-86 Sabre
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
Change comparison vs
Specifications
F-86 Sabre MiG-21 Fishbed
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 1 October 1947 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1949 1958
Number produced 9860 units 11496 units
Average unit price $1.2 million $2 million
Wing area 28.1 m² 23.0 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m 7.2 m
Height 4.4 m 4.1 m
Length 11.4 m 13.5 m
Maximum speed 1127 km/h 2125 km/h
Operational range 2,454 km 660 km
Service ceiling 15,850 m 19,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 9,621 kg 8,625 kg
Empty weight 5,443 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 3,402 kgf 1 x 4,689 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The F-86 Sabre and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by North American and Mikoyan-Gurevich 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).

Related Comparisons
F-86 Sabre vs Il-2 Sturmovik F-86 Sabre vs MiG-15 Fagot F-86 Sabre vs Yak-9 Frank F-86 Sabre vs MiG-17 Fresco F-86 Sabre vs F-84 Thunderjet F-86 Sabre vs Il-10 Beast

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.