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MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-23 Flogger

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-21 Fishbed
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-23 Flogger
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Specifications
MiG-21 Fishbed MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 16 June 1955 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1958 1970
Number produced 11496 units 5047 units
Average unit price $2 million $4 million
Wing area 23.0 m² 37.0 m²
Wingspan 7.2 m 14.0 m
Height 4.1 m 4.8 m
Length 13.5 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 2125 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 660 km 1,150 km
Service ceiling 19,000 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg 17,800 kg
Empty weight 4,871 kg 10,230 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf 1 x 12,996 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger 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 MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger 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 MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 17,800 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger 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 MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 12 years before the MiG-23 Flogger which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 5,047 units of the MiG-23 Flogger.