MiG-21 Fishbed vs Su-33 Flanker-D

Overview

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Su-33 Flanker-D are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Sukhoi respectively.

Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 2,300 km/h for the Su-33 Flanker-D. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 3,000 km for the Su-33 Flanker-D. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 18,000 m for the Su-33 Flanker-D. At 33,000 kg MTOW, the Su-33 Flanker-D is 3.8x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 22 for the Su-33 Flanker-D. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $45M for the Su-33 Flanker-D. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 44 years before the Su-33 Flanker-D (1955 vs 1999).

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
Russian carrier-based multirole fighter, developed in the late 1980s, primarily deployed on the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.
Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Sukhoi
First flight 29 April 1999
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 22 units
Average unit price $45 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 -- m²
Wingspan 15.0 m â—‰
Height 6.0 m â—‰
Length 22.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2300 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 33,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,800 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 7,600 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is faster with a maximum speed of 2,300 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 175 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Su-33 Flanker-D's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,000 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is longer at 22.0 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The Su-33 Flanker-D is more expensive at approximately $45 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 36 years before the Su-33 Flanker-D which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Su-33 Flanker-D?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 22 units of the Su-33 Flanker-D.