MiG-21 Fishbed vs Tornado

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Tornado are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Panavia respectively. Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 2,420 km/h for the Tornado. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 3,148 km for the Tornado. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the Tornado. At 28,000 kg MTOW, the Tornado is 3.2x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 990 for the Tornado. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $35M for the Tornado. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 19 years before the Tornado (1955 vs 1974).

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
European multirole combat aircraft, renowned for operational history in Gulf War and Balkans conflict.
Panavia Tornado Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Panavia
First flight 14 August 1974
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 990 units
Average unit price $35 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 26.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.9 m â—‰
Height 6.0 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2420 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,148 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 28,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 13,890 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 8,936 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The Tornado is faster with a maximum speed of 2,420 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 295 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The Tornado has a longer range at 3,148 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Tornado's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The Tornado has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,000 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The Tornado is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The Tornado is more expensive at approximately $35 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 22 years before the Tornado which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Tornado?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 990 units of the Tornado.