MiG-21 Fishbed vs Su-27 Flanker

Overview

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Su-27 Flanker are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Sukhoi respectively.

Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 2,500 km/h for the Su-27 Flanker. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 3,530 km for the Su-27 Flanker. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 18,500 m for the Su-27 Flanker. At 30,000 kg MTOW, the Su-27 Flanker is 3.5x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 680 for the Su-27 Flanker. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $30M for the Su-27 Flanker. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 23 years before the Su-27 Flanker (1955 vs 1978).

MiG-21 Fishbed

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
→ View full MiG-21 Fishbed details

Su-27 Flanker

Soviet-originated multirole fighter, distinguished for deployments during the Cold War, globally utilized in air superiority missions.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sukhoi
First flight 20 May 1978
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 680 units
Average unit price $30 million
→ View full Su-27 Flanker details

MiG-21 Fishbed

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—‰

Su-27 Flanker

Wing area 62.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 14.7 m â—‰
Height 5.9 m â—‰
Length 21.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,530 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,500 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 30,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 16,300 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 7,670 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 375 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a longer range at 3,530 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Su-27 Flanker's 18,500 meters (60,695 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 30,000 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is longer at 21.9 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The Su-27 Flanker is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 26 years before the Su-27 Flanker which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-27 Flanker?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 680 units of the Su-27 Flanker.

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