J-8 Finback vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Chinese interceptor, operational from the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for aerial warfare by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
Picture of J-8 Finback
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Shenyang
First flight 5 July 1969
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 408 units
Average unit price $-- million
Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Picture of MiG-21 Fishbed
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 -- m²
Wingspan 9.3 m â—‰
Height 5.4 m â—‰
Length 21.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2300 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 18,879 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,371 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 9,588 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Shenyang J-8 Finback
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—‰
Profile drawing of Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of J-8 Finback by US DoD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the J-8 Finback or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-8 Finback is faster with a maximum speed of 2,300 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 175 km/h.
Which has longer range, the J-8 Finback or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-8 Finback has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the J-8 Finback or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the J-8 Finback's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the J-8 Finback or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-8 Finback has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,879 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the J-8 Finback or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-8 Finback is longer at 21.5 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the J-8 Finback or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 22 years before the J-8 Finback which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the J-8 Finback or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 408 units of the J-8 Finback.