Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco)

Digital illustration of Mig-17

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

Airfix MiG-17 in 1/72 scale

 

Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco) Merch