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MiG-21 Fishbed vs Mirage IV

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
Dassault Mirage IV combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 Mirage IV
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Specifications
MiG-21 Fishbed Mirage IV
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich Dassault
First flight 16 June 1955 17 June 1959
Year introduced 1958 1964
Number produced 11496 units 66 units
Average unit price $2 million $15 million
Wing area 23.0 m² 78.0 m²
Wingspan 7.2 m 11.9 m
Height 4.1 m 5.4 m
Length 13.5 m 23.5 m
Maximum speed 2125 km/h 2340 km/h
Operational range 660 km 1,240 km
Service ceiling 19,000 m 20,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg 33,745 kg
Empty weight 4,871 kg 14,500 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf 2 x 9,400 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Mirage IV are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevich and Dassault respectively.

Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 2,340 km/h for the Mirage IV. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 1,240 km for the Mirage IV. The Mirage IV operates at altitudes up to 20,000 m compared to 19,000 m for the MiG-21 Fishbed. At 33,745 kg MTOW, the Mirage IV is 3.9:1 the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 66 for the Mirage IV. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $15M for the Mirage IV. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 4 years before the Mirage IV (1955 vs 1959).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The Mirage IV is faster with a maximum speed of 2,340 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 215 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The Mirage IV has a longer range at 1,240 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The Mirage IV has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 19,000 meters (62,335 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The Mirage IV has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,745 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The Mirage IV is longer at 23.5 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The Mirage IV is more expensive at approximately $15 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 6 years before the Mirage IV which entered service in 1964.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Mirage IV?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 66 units of the Mirage IV.