MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-27 Flogger

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the MiG-27 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 1,885 km/h for the MiG-27 Flogger. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 780 km for the MiG-27 Flogger. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 14,000 m for the MiG-27 Flogger. At 20,670 kg MTOW, the MiG-27 Flogger is 2.4x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 1,075 for the MiG-27 Flogger. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $5M for the MiG-27 Flogger. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 17 years before the MiG-27 Flogger (1955 vs 1972).

Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed Combat profile drawing
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
Soviet ground-attack aircraft, prominent for its use in the Afghan War, optimized for air-to-ground operations.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-27 Flogger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 17 November 1972
Year introduced 1975
Number produced 1075 units
Average unit price $5 million
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—‰
Wing area 37.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 14.0 m â—‰
Height 5.0 m â—‰
Length 17.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1885 km/h â—‰
Operational range 780 km â—‰
Service ceiling 14,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 20,670 kg â—‰
Empty weight 11,908 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 8,006 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the MiG-27 Flogger's 1,885 km/h, a difference of 240 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger has a longer range at 780 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the MiG-27 Flogger's 14,000 meters (45,931 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,670 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger is longer at 17.1 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-27 Flogger is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 17 years before the MiG-27 Flogger which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-27 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 1,075 units of the MiG-27 Flogger.