F/A-18 Hornet vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The F/A-18 Hornet and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 1,915 km/h for the F/A-18 Hornet vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The F/A-18 Hornet has an operational range of 2,017 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the F/A-18 Hornet. At 23,541 kg MTOW, the F/A-18 Hornet is 2.7x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in 1,480 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $29M for the F/A-18 Hornet vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 23 years before the F/A-18 Hornet (1955 vs 1978).

American carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 18 November 1978
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 1480 units
Average unit price $29 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 38.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 12.3 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 17.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,017 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,433 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 12,700 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/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 210 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a longer range at 2,017 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F/A-18 Hornet is more expensive at approximately $29 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 25 years before the F/A-18 Hornet which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 1,480 units of the F/A-18 Hornet.