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F/A-18 Hornet vs MiG-23 Flogger

F/A-18 Hornet vs MiG-23 Flogger at a glance — top speed 1,915 vs 2,500 km/h, range 2,017 vs 2,360 km, max takeoff weight 23,541 vs 17,800 kg, built 1,480 vs 5,047 units.

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F/A-18 Hornet
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-23 Flogger
Specifications
F/A-18 Hornet MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 18 November 1978 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1983 1970
Number produced 1480 units 5047 units
Average unit price $29 million $4 million
Wing area 38.0 m² 37.0 m²
Wingspan 12.3 m 14.0 m
Height 4.7 m 4.8 m
Length 17.1 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 1915 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 2,017 km 2,360 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg 17,800 kg
Empty weight 10,433 kg 10,230 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,051 kgf 1 x 12,996 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 585 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a longer range at 2,360 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 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-23 Flogger?
The F/A-18 Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,541 kg compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 17,800 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F/A-18 Hornet is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 16.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F/A-18 Hornet is more expensive at approximately $29 million per unit compared to the MiG-23 Flogger at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger entered service first in 1970, 13 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-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 1,480 units of the F/A-18 Hornet.