Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco)
Looking very similar to the Mig-15, the Mig-17 was a natural development of its younger and slightly smaller brother.
History
Developed as a replacement for the Mig-15, work began in 1949 on its development. Using parts already being produced for the Mig-15, but with improved wings and tailplane. Which improved stability at higher speeds. Still a Subsonic aircraft, it proved in various actions that this was not an issue.
Entering serice in October 1952, it was designed as an interceptor, when most bombers where still propeller driven. However, with the advent of bombers that could go to supersonic speeds, the Mig-17 became obselete in this role.
Where the Mig-17 did excel was in subsonic air to air combat. Although its role was as an interceptor, it proved to be a very capable dog fighter. With its radar gun site, and agility at subsonic speeds, it gave the F-4 pilots during the Vietnam war a serious problem.
Licence built by Poland as the Lim-5. Plus by China as the Shenyang J-5 (for Chinese use) and the Shenyang F-5 (export version).
The Mig-17 was not ready for use during the Korean war, but its first combat was over the Straits of Taiwan, when Chinese Mig-17s clashed with ROC F-86 Sabres in 1958.
Versions
Mig-17
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 711mph (@3000m) | 8,373lb (empty), 13,078lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 36ft 11.5in |
Mig-17A
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 711mph (@3000m) | 8,373lb (empty), 13,078lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 36ft 11.5in |
Basic fighter version using the VK-1 jet engine. NATO code Fresco A
Mig-17AS
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 711mph (@3000m) | 8,373lb (empty), 13,078lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 36ft 11.5in |
Multi role aircraft, modified to carry unguided rockets and the K-13 AA missile.
Mig-17P
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 693mph (@3000m) | 29,158lb (empty), 13,845lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 38ft 3.9in |
Fitted with the Izumrud radar system to enable it as an all-weather capable fighter. NATO code Fresco B
Mig-17F
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 711mph (@3000m) | 8,640lb (empty), 13,375lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 36ft 11.5in |
Basic fighter version but with imroved VK-1F engine, capable of afterburner use. NATO code Fresco F.
Mig-17PF
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 698mph (@3000m) | 9,147lb (empty), 13,841lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 38ft 3.9in |
All-weather fighter version with Izumrud radar and the VK-1F engine afterburner engine. NATO code Fresco D.
Mig-17PM/PFU
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 698mph (@3000m) | 9,147lb (empty), 13,841lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 38ft 3.9in |
Fighter version, with radar and K-5 AA missiles. NATO code Fresco E.
Mig-17R
| Speed | Weight | Span | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 698mph (@3000m) | 9,147lb (empty), 13,841lb (max) | 31ft 7in | 38ft 3.9in |
Reconnaissance version fitted with cameras and VK-1F engine.
Users
| Country | Service | Model | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Airforce | Mig-17F | 1957 to 1980s |
| Albania | Airforce | Mig-17 and J-5 | 1950 to ? |
| Algeria | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Angola | Airforce and Air Defence Force | Mig-17 | ? |
| Bulgaria | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Burkina Faso | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Cambodia | Airforce | Mig-17 and J-5 | 1967 to 1971 |
| People’s Republic of China | Airforce and Navy | Mig-17 and J-5 | 1950s to date |
| Republic of Congo | Airforce | Mig-17 | current |
| Cuba | Airforce | Mig-17 | 1960 to 1998? |
| Czechoslovakia | Airforce | Mig-17PF | 1950s to 1970s |
| East Germany | Airforce | Mig-17 | 1950s to 1990s |
| Egypt | Airforce | Mig-17 | 1950s to 1980s |
| Guinea | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Guinea-Bissau | Airforce | Mig-15 | ? |
| Hungary | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Indonesia | Airforce | Mig-17F and PF | 1961 to 1969 |
| Iraq | Airforce | Mig-17 | 1950s to 1991 |
| Libya | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Mongolia | Airforce | Mig-17 | 1970s to ? |
| Morocco | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Mozambique | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Nigeria | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| North Korea | Airforce | Mig-17 and J-5 | 1950 to date |
| Vietnam (North) | Airforce | Mig-17 | 1960s to ? |
| North Yemen | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Pakistan | Airforce | Mig-17 and J-5 | ? to 2012 |
| Poland | Airforce and Navy | Mig-17 and LIM-5 | ? |
| Romania | Airforce | Mig-17F and PF | 1955 to ? |
| Somalia | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Soviet Union | Airforce and Air Defence Force | Mig-17 (all versions) | 1952 to 1970s |
| Sri Lanka | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Sudan | Airforce | Mig-15 | ? |
| Syria | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Uganda | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
| Zimbabwe | Airforce | Mig-17 | ? |
Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 (Fresco) Model kits etc.
What’s in the box of the Airfix 1/72 MiG-17F model ki?
Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco) Sources and Reference
Books
Web
Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco) on YouTube
MiG-17/Shenyang F-5 in op service Albanian Air Force (1978)
Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco) Model Kits
Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco) Merch
