GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

MiG-21 Fishbed vs Su-17 Fitter

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
Sukhoi Su-17 Fitter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Su-17 Fitter
Change comparison vs
Specifications
MiG-21 Fishbed Su-17 Fitter
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich Sukhoi
First flight 16 June 1955 1 January 1966
Year introduced 1958 1971
Number produced 11496 units 2867 units
Average unit price $2 million $6 million
Wing area 23.0 m² 27.5 m²
Wingspan 7.2 m 10.0 m
Height 4.1 m 4.5 m
Length 13.5 m 15.3 m
Maximum speed 2125 km/h 2140 km/h
Operational range 660 km 1,150 km
Service ceiling 19,000 m 14,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg 7,890 kg
Empty weight 4,871 kg 5,932 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf 1 x 4,000 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Su-17 Fitter are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevich and Sukhoi respectively.

Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 2,140 km/h for the Su-17 Fitter. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 1,150 km for the Su-17 Fitter. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 14,500 m for the Su-17 Fitter.

The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 2,867 for the Su-17 Fitter. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $6M for the Su-17 Fitter. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 11 years before the Su-17 Fitter (1955 vs 1966).

Related Comparisons
MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-15 Fagot MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-17 Fresco MiG-21 Fishbed vs F-86 Sabre MiG-21 Fishbed vs F-84 Thunderjet MiG-21 Fishbed vs F-4 Phantom II MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-23 Flogger

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter is faster with a maximum speed of 2,140 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 15 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter has a longer range at 1,150 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Su-17 Fitter's 14,500 meters (47,572 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,625 kg compared to the Su-17 Fitter's 7,890 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter is longer at 15.2 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The Su-17 Fitter is more expensive at approximately $6.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 13 years before the Su-17 Fitter which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-17 Fitter?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 2,867 units of the Su-17 Fitter.