Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

The supersonic interceptor that became one of the most produced fighters in history.

Mig-21 at RIAT 2019 (in flight) © airwolfhound

Overview

Mikoyan Gurevich Russia ICAO: MG21 1959–1985 $2 million (1974)

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a single-engine supersonic fighter developed in the 1950s. Designed as a lightweight interceptor, it became one of the most widely produced jet fighters worldwide. The aircraft served with numerous air forces.

Live Fleet Activity (MG21)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Tumansky R-25-300
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
15,640 lbf · 70 kN
Avionics
SPO-3 Sirena-3M RWR, RP-21M Radar, SRZO-2 Khrom-Nikel' IFF, RSBN-2N
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
48 ft 3 in  ·  14.70 m
Tail height
13 ft 5 in  ·  4.10 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 1 in  ·  1.24 m
Wing span
23 ft 5 in  ·  7.15 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
21,600 lb  ·  9,800 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
7,450 lb  ·  3,400 kg
Fuel capacity
1,010 gal · 3,800 L · 3,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,174 kt  ·  1,351 mph  ·  2,174 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
130 kt  ·  150 mph  ·  241 km/h
Range
360 nm  ·  410 mi  ·  670 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
58,400 ft  ·  17,800 m
Rate of climb
23,600 ft/min  ·  120 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,700 ft  ·  830 m
Landing distance
1,800 ft  ·  550 m
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Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig-21 LanceR at RIAT 2019.

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Operational Context

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 — supersonic interceptor fighter

The MiG-21 first flew in 1955 and entered service in 1959. It features a delta wing and single-engine configuration optimized for high-speed interception. The aircraft was designed for simplicity and mass production during the Cold War.

Powered by a Tumansky turbojet engine producing approximately 14,000 pounds of thrust (62 kN) with afterburner depending on variant, the MiG-21 can exceed Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg). Armament included missiles and a cannon depending on configuration.

The MiG-21 saw extensive combat use and was exported widely. Its affordability and performance made it a mainstay of many air forces. The aircraft remains in limited service decades after introduction.