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The MiG 21 F96, No. 5121
Photo: Original uploader was Bình Giang at vi.wikipedia · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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TheMiG21F96,No.5121

Air Superiority Fighters · Russia · 1972
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TheMiG21F96,No.5121

The MiG 21 F96, No. 5121
The MiG 21 F96, No. 5121 Photo: Original uploader was Bình Giang at vi.wikipedia · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Air-to-Air Lethality
75
Agility
80
Speed
70
Radar & Avionics
50
Range
55
Stealth
0
Survivability
65
Reliability
85
Technology
60
Cost-Effectiveness
90
Origin Russia
ManufacturerRussian Aircraft Corporation MiG
CategoryAir Superiority Fighters
EraCold War
In service1972–1986
Operators9 countries
Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
62
Air Superiority Fighters MASS Rating
18/30
Cold War
76/832
All-Time
Air Superiority Fighters · 10 axes scored
Air-to-Air Lethality
75
Agility
80
Speed
70
Radar & Avionics
50
Range
55
Stealth
0
Survivability
65
Reliability
85
Technology
60
Cost-Effectiveness
90
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the air superiority fighters category.
01 / Overview
The MiG 21 F96, No. 5121
Country
Production
1972–1986
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS · COLD WAR
18
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
62
air superiority fighters category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the air superiority fighters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Flight1955
  • Service Entry Year1959
  • Crew1
  • Primary RoleAir Superiority Fighter
  • Generation2nd
  • In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant10MOD.10
  • Engine TypeTurbojet
  • Engine ModelTumansky R-13
  • Number of Engines1
  • Thrust (dry, each)39
  • Thrust (afterburner, each)60.8
  • Thrust-to-Weight0.76
  • AfterburnerYes
  • SupercruiseNo
  • Thrust VectoringNo
  • Internal Fuel2,350 kg
▣Performance10MOD.10
  • Top Speed2,230 km/h
  • Top Speed (Mach)2.05 Mach
  • Cruise Speed900 km/h
  • Stall Speed250 km/h
  • Service Ceiling18,000 m
  • Ferry Range1,400 km
  • Combat Radius370 km
  • Rate of Climb130 m/s
  • G-Limit8.5
  • Takeoff Run800 m
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
  • Length15.76 m
  • Wingspan7.15 m
  • Height4.1 m
  • Wing Area23
  • Empty Weight5,350 kg
  • Loaded Weight8,820 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight9,660 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
⬢Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built11,496
  • Operators60
  • Variants30
▲Service History3MOD.3
  • Production Start1959
  • Production End1986
  • Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
  1. 1972Production started
  2. 1986Production ended
54
years in service
14
years in production
0
countries operating
ⓘ 9 countries retired it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
MiG-21 1959
The MiG 21 F96, No. 5121 1972
// SIBLING VARIANTS
Ye-2 1954
Ye-5 1956
MiG-21F 1959
05 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
An afterburner is a device that injects fuel into a jet engine's hot exhaust gases, generating additional thrust through combustion.
Air-to-air missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to engage other aircraft. They are used for self-defense and to gain air superiority.
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles designed to engage and destroy naval vessels. They are typically used by aircraft, ships, or submarines to attack enemy ships.
A collection of integrated electronic systems on a military aircraft designed to detect, identify, disrupt, or deceive enemy radar, communications, and guided weapons.
A helmet-mounted display system that allows pilots to aim weapons by looking at targets, tracking head movements to direct sensors or weapons.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST) is a passive sensor system that detects and tracks airborne targets by their heat signatures without emitting radiation.
Relating to or using nuclear energy, typically fission, for propulsion or power generation in military vessels.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Air Superiority Fighters entry →