Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan‑Gurevich MiG‑21, developed by the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, is one of the most produced supersonic jet fighters in aviation history. First flown in 1955 and entering service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1959, the MiG‑21 became a cornerstone of Cold‑War air power for the Eastern Bloc and many allied nations. Its design is marked by a sharply swept delta wing, a single afterburning turbojet, and a lightweight airframe that allowed a maximum speed of Mach 2.05 and a service ceiling above 58 000 feet. The aircraft featured a compact ejection seat, a central weapons bay capable of carrying air‑to‑air missiles such as the K‑13 (AA‑2) and a limited bomb load for ground‑attack missions. Simplicity of construction, ease of maintenance, and low operational costs made the MiG‑21 attractive to over 60 countries, resulting in more than 11,000 units built. The fighter’s adaptability led to numerous variants, including reconnaissance, trainer, and modernized versions equipped with updated avionics. Its extensive combat record—from Vietnam to the Middle East—demonstrates the MiG‑21’s lasting impact on jet fighter development and its role as a symbol of Soviet engineering excellence.
Classification
Dimensions
- Wing Area
- 23 square metre
- Length
- 15.76 metre
- Height
- 4.12 metre
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 19000 metre
- Range
- 450 kilometre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1956
- Service Entry
- 1959
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG
- Developer
- Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG
- NATO Name
- Fishbed, Flipper, Faceplate
- Engine
- Tumansky R-25
- Operator
-
National Air Force of Angola Afghan Air Force Algerian Air Force Croatian Air Force and Air Defence Soviet Air Forces Russian Air Force Soviet Union Angola Afghanistan India Algeria Azerbaijan Albania Russia People's Republic of China
- Wikidata ID
- Q150609