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MiG-21 Fishbed vs Yak-36 Freehand

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
Yakovlev Yak-36 Freehand combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Yak-36 Freehand
Change comparison vs
Specifications
MiG-21 Fishbed Yak-36 Freehand
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich Yakovlev
First flight 16 June 1955 9 January 1963
Year introduced 1958 --
Number produced 11496 units 4 units
Average unit price $2 million $2 million
Wing area 23.0 m² 17.0 m²
Wingspan 7.2 m 10.0 m
Height 4.1 m 4.5 m
Length 13.5 m 17.0 m
Maximum speed 2125 km/h 900 km/h
Operational range 660 km 370 km
Service ceiling 19,000 m 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg 8,900 kg
Empty weight 4,871 kg 5,300 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf 2 x 5,303 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Yak-36 Freehand are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevich and Yakovlev respectively.

The MiG-21 Fishbed reaches 2,125 km/h — 2.4:1 the Yak-36 Freehand's 900 km/h. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 370 km for the Yak-36 Freehand. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 12,000 m for the Yak-36 Freehand.

The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 4 for the Yak-36 Freehand. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $2M for the Yak-36 Freehand. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 8 years before the Yak-36 Freehand (1955 vs 1963).

Related Comparisons
Yak-36 Freehand vs Yak-38 Forger MiG-21 Fishbed vs Il-2 Sturmovik MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-15 Fagot MiG-21 Fishbed vs Yak-9 Frank MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-17 Fresco MiG-21 Fishbed vs F-86 Sabre

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-36 Freehand?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 900 km/h, a difference of 1,225 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-36 Freehand?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a longer range at 660 km compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 370 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-36 Freehand?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Yak-36 Freehand's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-36 Freehand?
The Yak-36 Freehand has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,900 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-36 Freehand?
The Yak-36 Freehand is longer at 17.0 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-36 Freehand?
The Yak-36 Freehand is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-36 Freehand?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 4 units of the Yak-36 Freehand.