MiG-21 Fishbed vs Q-5 / A-5 Fantan

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Nanchang respectively. Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 1,210 km/h for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 2,000 km for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 16,500 m for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 1,300 for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $1M for the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 10 years before the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan (1955 vs 1965).

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
Chinese ground-attack aircraft, notable for service in the Cold War period, often utilized in Pakistani and North Korean operations.
Nanchang Q-5 / A-5 Fantan Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Nanchang
First flight 4 June 1965
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 1300 units
Average unit price $1 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 27.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.7 m â—‰
Height 4.3 m â—‰
Length 15.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1210 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,300 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,400 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,007 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan's 1,210 km/h, a difference of 915 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan has a longer range at 2,000 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan's 16,500 meters (54,133 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,300 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The Q-5 / A-5 Fantan is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan at $1.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 12 years before the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Q-5 / A-5 Fantan?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 1,300 units of the Q-5 / A-5 Fantan.