The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s. It was the first successful mass-produced supersonic fighter aircraft in the world. The MiG-21 was designed for long-range combat missions, including interception of enemy aircraft and ground attack. It was also used as a reconnaissance aircraft and as an interceptor in air-to-air combat.

Mikoyan-Gurevich decided to develop the MiG-21 in response to the increased use of jet-powered aircraft by the United States in the 1950s. It was designed to be a simple and highly maneuverable aircraft, with a high rate of climb, and the ability to reach supersonic speeds. The MiG-21 was also designed to be more reliable and cost-effective than other aircraft of the time.

The MiG-21 is one of the most common and successful fighter aircraft ever produced. It was produced in large numbers and was used by the air forces of more than 50 countries. It is estimated that over 10,000 MiG-21s were built over the course of its production run, making it one of the most produced jet aircraft in history.

Despite its success, the MiG-21 has had its share of safety issues. It has been involved in a number of accidents due to pilot error and mechanical failure. In some cases, pilots have had difficulty controlling the aircraft due to its high maneuverability and lack of autopilot. There have also been issues with engine failure due to inadequate maintenance and poor design.

Despite these safety issues, the MiG-21 is still considered to be an important and innovative aircraft. It was the first aircraft to incorporate a number of advanced technologies, such as an afterburner, advanced avionics, and a modern radar system. It also introduced a number of new flight control systems, such as aileron-rudder interconnect, which allowed for greater maneuverability.

The MiG-21 was also the first aircraft to incorporate the use of a fly-by-wire system, which allowed for automated control of the aircraft. This system allowed the aircraft to be flown more precisely and safely than previous aircraft. This system was later adopted by other aircraft manufacturers and is still in use today.

The MiG-21 is different from other aircraft in that it was designed for long-range combat missions, rather than short-range dogfights. It was also designed to be highly maneuverable and had a high rate of climb. It was also the first aircraft to incorporate the use of modern avionics and fly-by-wire systems, which allowed for greater accuracy and safety.