Lightning vs MiG-21 Fishbed
| 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 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 | 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—‰ |
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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 Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 289 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Lightning has a longer range at 1,367 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Lightning's 16,459 meters (53,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the Lightning at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 2 years before the Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Lightning or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.