Lightning vs MiG-23 Flogger
The Lightning and the MiG-23 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by English Electric and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 2,414 km/h for the Lightning vs 2,500 km/h for the MiG-23 Flogger. The Lightning has an operational range of 1,367 km vs 1,150 km for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 16,459 m for the Lightning. The Lightning has been produced in 337 units vs 5,047 for the MiG-23 Flogger. Unit cost is $2M for the Lightning vs $4M for the MiG-23 Flogger. The Lightning first flew 13 years before the MiG-23 Flogger (1954 vs 1967).
| British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | English Electric |
| First flight | 4 August 1954 |
| Year introduced | 1960 |
| Number produced | 337 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| Soviet third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Mikoyan-Gurevitch |
| First flight | 10 June 1967 |
| Year introduced | 1970 |
| Number produced | 5047 units |
| Average unit price | $4 million |
| Wing area | 44.1 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 6.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2414 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,367 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 16,459 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 20,752 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 14,092 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 11,368 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 37.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 14.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.7 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2500 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,150 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 18,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 17,800 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 10,230 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 12,996 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the Lightning's 2,414 km/h, a difference of 86 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 1,150 km.
Which can fly higher, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 17,800 kg.
Which is larger, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 16.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The Lightning entered service first in 1960, 10 years before the MiG-23 Flogger which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Lightning or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.