MiG-21 Fishbed vs Sea Harrier

Overview

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Sea Harrier are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and British Aerospace respectively.

Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 1,145 km/h for the Sea Harrier. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 740 km for the Sea Harrier. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 16,000 m for the Sea Harrier.

The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 111 for the Sea Harrier. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $15.6M for the Sea Harrier. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 23 years before the Sea Harrier (1955 vs 1978).

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
British naval short take-off and vertical landing jet fighter, reconnaissance and attack aircraft, developed in the late 1970s and operated from aircraft carriers for air defence and ground attack until the early 21st century.
British Aerospace Sea Harrier Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer British Aerospace
First flight 20 August 1978
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 111 units
Average unit price $15.6 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 18.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m â—‰
Height 3.7 m â—‰
Length 14.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1145 km/h â—‰
Operational range 740 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,884 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,616 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 96 kN â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Sea Harrier's 1,145 km/h, a difference of 980 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier has a longer range at 740 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Sea Harrier's 16,000 meters (52,493 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,884 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier is longer at 14.2 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The Sea Harrier is more expensive at approximately $16 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 22 years before the Sea Harrier which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Sea Harrier?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 111 units of the Sea Harrier.