F-35 vs MiG-29

By: Rocco · November 10, 2022

Comparing the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II vs the Mikoyan MIG 29K Fulcrum? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Fighter Jets
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Mikoyan MIG 29K Fulcrum
Military Aircraft
Mikoyan MIG 29K Fulcrum

General

Units
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
F35
Produced
2011–Present
Price
$115.5 million (2018)
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
43,000 lbf · 191 kN +116% (total)
Avionics
JSF Cooperative Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Mikoyan MIG 29K Fulcrum
Manufacturer
Mikoyan Gurevich
ICAO code
Produced
1999–Present
Price
$27 million (1900)
Engine
Engine type
-
Thrust
19,900 lbf · 89 kN -54% (total)
Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2 economy · 1 business

Dimensions

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Cabin width
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Cabin length
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Exterior length
51 ft 6 in 15.70 m 51 ft 6 in 15.70 m
Tail height
14 ft 8 in 4.48 m 14 ft 8 in 4.48 m
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Wing span
35 ft 1 in 10.70 m 35 ft 1 in 10.70 m
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m
Mikoyan MIG 29K Fulcrum
Cabin width
Cabin height
Cabin length
Exterior length
Tail height
Fuselage diameter
Wing span
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m

Weights

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Max payload
18,000 lb 8,150 kg 18,000 lb 8,150 kg +172%
Fuel capacity
2,760 gal 10,448 L 2,760 gal 10,448 L
Max takeoff weight
70,000 lb 31,800 kg 70,000 lb 31,800 kg -41%
Mikoyan MIG 29K Fulcrum
Max payload
6,600 lb 3,000 kg 6,600 lb 3,000 kg -63%
Fuel capacity
Max takeoff weight
119,000 lb 54,000 kg 119,000 lb 54,000 kg +70%

Performance

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Max cruise speed
1,043 kt · 1,200 mph 1,932 km/h 1,043 kt 1,200 mph 1,932 km/h -8%
Approach speed
250 kt · 288 mph 463 km/h 250 kt 288 mph 463 km/h
Rate of climb
40,000 ft/min 203 m/s 40,000 ft/min 203 m/s
Range
1,500 nm · 1,730 mi 2,780 km 1,500 nm 1,730 mi 2,780 km
Service ceiling
65,000 ft 19,800 m 65,000 ft 19,800 m
Takeoff distance
550 ft 170 m 550 ft 170 m +38%
Landing distance
700 ft 210 m 700 ft 210 m +27%
Mikoyan MIG 29K Fulcrum
Max cruise speed
1,134 kt · 1,305 mph 2,100 km/h 1,134 kt 1,305 mph 2,100 km/h +9%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
Range
Service ceiling
Takeoff distance
400 ft 120 m 400 ft 120 m -27%
Landing distance
550 ft 170 m 550 ft 170 m -21%

Which fighter jet is better? The F-35 or the MiG-29? It is a question that has been debated for many years. Some people say that the F-35 is the best fighter jet in the world, while others claim that the MiG-29 is superior. In this blog post, we will compare these two jets and see which one comes out on top!

About The F-35

The F-35 was developed as a next-generation fighter jet designed to perform a variety of missions with greater flexibility and improved performance. The aircraft is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics, including an advanced pilot helmet that provides a 360-degree view of the battlefield. The F-35 also features stealth technology, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect the aircraft.

In addition, the F-35 is designed to be compatible with various weapons, including air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground bombs. The aircraft is currently being used by the US military and several allied nations. The F-35 represents a significant step forward in fighter jets’ capabilities. It is expected to play a vital role in future conflicts.

About The MiG-29

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 is a jet fighter aircraft of Soviet design that first flew in 1977. It was created to have an advantage against American fighters such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The MiG-29 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983 and has been widely exported since then. It remains in service with numerous countries today, including Russia, India, and Poland. T

The MiG-29 has a top speed of Mach 2.23 and is armed with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. It is considered a highly maneuverable aircraft and has been used extensively in combat operations. The MiG-29 has proven to be a reliable and effective fighting machine. It continues to play an essential role in many countries’ defense worldwide.

Differences between the F-35 and MiG-29

The F-35 and MiG-29 are both fighter jets used extensively in combat. While they share some similarities, there are also several significant differences between the two aircraft. The F-35 is a fifth-generation jet designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. It features several advanced features, such as stealth technology and a sophisticated avionics system.

The MiG-29, on the other hand, is a fourth-generation jet initially designed as an air superiority fighter. However, it has since been upgraded with additional capabilities, such as launching anti-ship missiles. When it comes to performance, the F-35 is widely considered to be superior to the MiG-29.

It has higher speed, excellent range, and advanced weapons systems. In terms of cost, the F-35 is also more expensive than the MiG-29. However, both aircraft have proven to be formidable opponents in combat. They will continue to play an essential role in the world’s militaries for years.

Similarities between F-35 & MiG-29

Though the F-35 and MiG-29 may appear to be very different aircraft, they have quite a few similarities. Both are single-seat, single-engine fighters capable of vertical takeoff and landing. They also share similar dimensions, with a wingspan of just over 43 feet and a length of just under 50 feet.

Furthermore, both aircraft have powerful engines that can reach speeds over Mach 1.5. Of course, there are also some notable differences between the two aircraft. The F-35 is designed for stealth operations, while the MiG-29 is a more traditional fighter jet.

The F-35 also has a significantly more extended range than the MiG-29, making it better suited for long-range missions. Nevertheless, the similarities between these two aircraft are pretty striking.

What’s better about the F-35?

The F-35 has been making headlines recently, and not all of the news is good. The jet has been plagued by cost overruns, delays, and technical glitches. However, it is essential to remember that the F-35 is still an advanced fighter jet with many features that make it a valuable addition to the military.

Here are four things that make the F-35 worth its price tag:

Advanced sensors:

It has advanced sensors that allow it to gather more information about the battlefield than any other fighter jet.

Weapon capacity:

It can carry more weapons than any other fighter jet, allowing it to engage multiple targets simultaneously.

Stealth technology:

Its stealth technology makes it very difficult for enemy radar to detect, meaning it can get close to targets without being detected.

Incredible powerful engine:

The F-35’s engines are mighty, allowing it to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.

Despite its many problems, the F-35 is still a world-class fighter jet with many features that make it a valuable asset for the military.

What’s better about the MiG-29?

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter designed for the Soviet Union. The aircraft entered service in 1983 and is still used today by countries worldwide.

Here are four things that make the MiG-29 an outstanding fighter jet:

Versatility:

The MiG-29 is equipped with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, making it a versatile platform that missiles can use for various missions.

Agility:

TheMiG-29 is highly maneuverable, thanks to its low wing loading and tail control surfaces. It makes it difficult for enemy pilots to track and target the aircraft.

Sophisticated avionics:

The MiG-29 is equipped with a sophisticated avionics suite that includes a head-up display, multi-function displays, and an onboard computer. It allows pilots to fly the aircraft with greater situational awareness.

Superior range:

Thanks to its large internal fuel tanks, the MiG-29 has a combat radius of over 800 miles, making it ideal for long-range missions.

Conclusion

Overall, the F-35 and MiG 29 are powerful combat aircraft that have proven to be formidable opponents in battle. While the F-35 has many advanced features, including stealth technology, the MiG 29 is a more traditional fighter jet with impressive agility and range.

Both jets will continue to play an important role in military operations for years to come.