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Harrier vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Harrier vs MiG-21 Fishbed at a glance — top speed 1,183 vs 2,175 km/h, range 1,500 vs 793 km, max takeoff weight 11,500 vs 10,400 kg, built 380 vs 11,496 units.

British Aerospace Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 HarrierFull specs
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 FishbedFull specs
Specifications
Harrier MiG-21 Fishbed
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer British Aerospace Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 28 December 1968 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1969 1958
Number produced 380 units 11496 units
Average unit price $24 million $2 million
Wing area 18.7 m² 23.0 m²
Wingspan 7.7 m 7.2 m
Height 3.5 m 4.1 m
Length 13.9 m 14.7 m
Maximum speed 1183 km/h 2175 km/h
Operational range 1,500 km 793 km
Service ceiling 14,996 m 17,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,500 kg 10,400 kg
Empty weight 5,530 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 kgf 1 x 7,095 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,175 km/h compared to the Harrier's 1,183 km/h, a difference of 992 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier has a longer range at 1,500 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 793 km.
Which can fly higher, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 17,500 meters (57,414 ft) compared to the Harrier's 14,996 meters (49,199 ft).
Which is heavier, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,500 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 10,400 kg.
Which is larger, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is longer at 14.7 meters compared to the Harrier's 13.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier is more expensive at approximately $24 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 11 years before the Harrier which entered service in 1969.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 380 units of the Harrier.