F-104 Starfighter vs MiG-21 Fishbed
| American supersonic interceptor, notable for Cold War operations, deployed extensively by NATO and several other international air forces. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 4 March 1954 |
| Year introduced | 1958 |
| Number produced | 2578 units |
| Average unit price | $1.4 million |
| Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts. | |
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| 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 | 18.2 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 6.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.1 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.7 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2500 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 680 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13,170 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,350 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 4,536 kgf â—‰ |
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| 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—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-104 Starfighter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 375 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-104 Starfighter has a longer range at 680 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-104 Starfighter's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-104 Starfighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,170 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-104 Starfighter is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-104 Starfighter at $1.4 million.
Which entered service first, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 0 years before the F-104 Starfighter which entered service in 1958.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-104 Starfighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 2,578 units of the F-104 Starfighter.