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Harrier vs MiG-21 Fishbed

British Aerospace Harrier combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 Harrier
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
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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 13.5 m
Maximum speed 1183 km/h 2125 km/h
Operational range 1,500 km 660 km
Service ceiling 14,996 m 19,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,500 kg 8,625 kg
Empty weight 5,530 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 kgf 1 x 4,689 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Harrier and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by British Aerospace and Mikoyan-Gurevich respectively.

Top speed is 1,183 km/h for the Harrier vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The Harrier has an operational range of 1,500 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 14,996 m for the Harrier.

The Harrier has been produced in 380 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $24M for the Harrier vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 13 years before the Harrier (1955 vs 1968).

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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 2,125 km/h compared to the Harrier's 1,183 km/h, a difference of 942 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 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 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 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier is longer at 13.9 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 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.