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MiG-21 vs. MiG-23

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MiG-21

vs.

MiG-23

Role
FighterFighter
Generation
2nd generation3rd generation
National Origin
Soviet UnionSoviet Union
Manufacturer
Mikoyan-GurevichMikoyan-Gurevich
Price (USD)
$3 Million$6 Million
Primary Users
Soviet Air ForcesSoviet Air Forces
First Flight
19551967
Last Production Year
19851985
# Units Built
11,4965,047
Status
In ServiceLimited Service
Seats
11
Length
14 m46 ft
16 m54 ft
Wingspan
7 m23 ft
14 m45 ft
Wing Area
23 m²247 ft²
37 m²402 ft²
Height
4 m13 ft
4 m15 ft
Empty Weight
5,339 kg11,770 lbs
10,886 kg24,000 lbs
Gross Weight
8,811 kg19,425 lbs
14,842 kg32,720 lbs
MTOW
9,800 kg21,605 lbs
17,799 kg39,240 lbs
Fuel Capacity
2,363 kg5,210 lbs
4,672 kg10,300 lbs
Number of Engines
11
Engine Type
TurbojetTurbojet
Engine Manufacturer
TumanskyKhatchaturov
Engine Model
R-25R-35-300
Dry Thrust
40 kN9,030 lbs
84 kN18,800 lbs
Thrust w/ Afterburner
70 kN15,640 lbf
127 kN28,660 lbf
Max Thrust
70 kN15,640 lbf
127 kN28,660 lbf
Max Speed (Mach)
Mach 2.05Mach 2.35
Top Speed
2,174 km/h1,351 mph
2,499 km/h1,553 mph
Range
667 km360 nm
1,852 km1,000 nm
Rate of Climb
235 m/s46,250 ft/min
229 m/s45,000 ft/min
Ceiling
17,496 m57,400 ft
18,501 m60,700 ft
G Limit
8 g7 g

What Are the Differences Between the MiG-21 and MiG-23

MiG-21 vs MiG-23 Size Comparison

  • At 16.70 meters, the MiG-23 is 2.60 meters longer than the MiG-21.
  • With a wingspan of 14 meters, the MiG-23 is 6.80 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The wing area of the MiG-23 is 0.70 meters bigger than that of the MiG-21’s 4.10 meters.

MiG-21 vs MiG-23 Price

  • The MiG-23 is more expensive than the MiG-21, with a unit cost of approximately 6 million compared to the MiG-21’s unit cost of approximately 3 million.

MiG-21 vs MiG-23 Speed

  • The MiG-23 has a top speed of 1,553 miles per hour, and the MiG-21 has a top speed of 1,351 miles per hour. Head to head, this makes the MiG-23 202 miles per hour faster than the MiG-21.

About the MiG-21

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, known by its NATO reporting name "Fishbed," is one of the most produced jet fighters in aviation history, with over 11,000 units built by the Soviet Union from 1959 into the 1980s. This aircraft served as the backbone of the Soviet Air Force and its allies throughout the Cold War, making it one of the most widely exported fighters ever, used by over 60 countries across four continents.

Production History: The development of the MiG-21 began in the early 1950s, with the first prototype taking flight in 1956. It was introduced into service in 1959, marking a significant leap in Soviet fighter technology with its Mach 2 capabilities. The MiG-21 was continuously improved and produced in various versions, including interceptor, fighter-bomber, and reconnaissance variants.

Design Features: The MiG-21's design is characterized by its delta wing and unique fuselage, which houses a single Tumansky turbojet engine. This configuration provided the aircraft with excellent speed and agility. The aircraft's relatively small size and simple design also contributed to its low production and maintenance costs. Despite its compact frame, the MiG-21 was capable of carrying a range of weapons systems, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and an internal autocannon.

Operational History: The MiG-21 saw extensive combat use in several conflicts during the latter half of the 20th century, including the Vietnam War, where it engaged in dogfights with American F-4 Phantoms and F-105 Thunderchiefs. The aircraft continued to see action in various regional conflicts around the world, proving its effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

Comparison with Similar Models

MiG-21 vs. F-4 Phantom II

Role and Capabilities: While both aircraft were primary fighters of their respective air forces during the Vietnam War, the MiG-21 was lighter, faster, and more agile, designed for quick intercept missions. In contrast, the F-4 Phantom II was a larger, more versatile fighter-bomber capable of performing a wide range of missions.

Performance: The MiG-21's design focused on high-speed interception and agility, making it especially effective in close-range dogfights. The F-4, however, had a greater payload, longer range, and was equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, allowing it to engage enemies beyond visual range effectively.

MiG-21 vs. F-5 Freedom Fighter/Tiger II

Design Evolution: Both aircraft were developed around the same time and shared roles as lightweight, cost-effective fighters for their respective allies. The F-5 was designed with a focus on ease of maintenance and versatility, while the MiG-21 was optimized for speed and altitude performance.

Operational Capabilities: The MiG-21 and F-5 were considered well-matched adversaries, with similar sizes and speeds. However, the MiG-21's delta wing provided it with a slight edge in maneuverability at higher speeds, whereas the F-5 offered better visibility and weapon accuracy at lower speeds.

About the MiG-23

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, known by its NATO reporting name "Flogger," is a third-generation jet fighter developed by the Soviet Union in the late 1960s. The MiG-23 was designed to meet the need for a more versatile and capable fighter, capable of achieving Mach 2.35 speeds, and was introduced as a successor to the MiG-21. It served in various roles, including interceptor, ground-attack, and scouting.

Production History: The MiG-23 was introduced into service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1970. Over its production life, which spanned two decades, more than 5,000 units were built, making it one of the most produced fighter aircraft of its time. The MiG-23 was exported widely, serving in the air forces of over 30 countries, and saw action in numerous conflicts during the latter half of the 20th century.

Design Features: The MiG-23's most notable feature is its swing-wing design, which allows the wings to be set at different angles to optimize performance at various speeds. At lower speeds, the wings could be extended for better lift and maneuverability, while at higher speeds, they could be swept back to reduce drag. The aircraft was powered by a single large turbojet engine, equipped with an afterburner for additional thrust.

Operational History: The MiG-23 saw combat in several Middle Eastern conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Syrian Civil War. It was used extensively by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan during the 1980s, where it was employed in both air-to-air combat and ground-attack roles. Despite its advanced design, the MiG-23 faced challenges in terms of maintenance and operational readiness, particularly in the hands of less experienced air forces.

Comparison with Similar Models:

MiG-23 vs. F-4 Phantom II

Role and Capabilities: Both the MiG-23 and F-4 Phantom II were designed as multi-role fighters capable of performing both air superiority and ground-attack missions. The MiG-23's variable-geometry wings provided it with a broader performance envelope, especially in terms of speed and altitude capabilities.

Performance: The F-4 Phantom II, while older, was known for its reliability, heavy payload, and versatility. In contrast, the MiG-23 offered better agility at high speeds and a more sophisticated radar and missile armament for air-to-air engagements.

MiG-23 vs. F-14 Tomcat

Design Evolution: The F-14 Tomcat and the MiG-23 were both developed around the same time and featured variable-geometry wings. This design was chosen by both manufacturers for similar reasons: to provide excellent performance across a wide range of speeds and altitudes.

Operational Capabilities: The F-14 was primarily designed as a fleet defense interceptor for the U.S. Navy and excelled in long-range air-to-air engagements. The MiG-23, while also capable in the interceptor role, was more versatile, being used extensively in ground-attack missions in addition to air superiority roles.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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