Tech & Auto
Fighter Jet Showdown: MiG-29 Vs F-16
By JACK PICONE
MiG-29
The MiG-29 was developed in the early 1970s. When the first mission-ready aircraft rolled off the assembly line in 1982, the MiG-29 was still undergoing flight tests.
Over 30 nations use the MiG-29 in their armed forces, and is still in service in many countries, including India, Ukraine, Germany, Peru, Iran, North Korea, and, of course, Russia.
F-16
The F-16 Fighting Falcon came about when the U.S. looked to add a fleet cheap and easy-to-produce fighter jets that could defend against and eliminate other enemy aircraft.
The F-16A began full production in late 1976, design changes were made including an increased wing area and larger nose radome for more advanced radar.
Size & Speed
With a crew of one, the MiG-29 has a wingspan of 37 feet 3 inches and is 57 feet long. When empty, it weighs 24,250 pounds and has a fuel capacity of 7,716 pounds.
The MiG-29 can reach nearly 1,500 mph at altitude (its service ceiling is a little over 59,000 feet) and over 900 mph near the ground.