 These had an increased range of compared to the MiG-21SM, but at the cost of worsening all other performance figures, such as a lower service ceiling and slower time to altitude.The delta wing, while excellent for a fast-climbing interceptor, meant any form of turning combat led to a rapid loss of speed.However, the light loading of the aircraft could mean that a climb rate of 235 m/s (46,250 ft/min) was possible with a combat-loaded MiG-21bis, not far short of the performance of the later F-16A.