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

SpeedWeightSpanLength
711mph (@3000m)8,373lb (empty), 13,078lb (max)31ft 7in36ft 11.5in

Mig-17A

SpeedWeightSpanLength
711mph (@3000m)8,373lb (empty), 13,078lb (max)31ft 7in36ft 11.5in

Basic fighter version using the VK-1 jet engine. NATO code Fresco A

Mig-17AS

SpeedWeightSpanLength
711mph (@3000m)8,373lb (empty), 13,078lb (max)31ft 7in36ft 11.5in

Multi role aircraft, modified to carry unguided rockets and the K-13 AA missile.

Mig-17P

SpeedWeightSpanLength
693mph (@3000m)29,158lb (empty), 13,845lb (max)31ft 7in38ft 3.9in

Fitted with the Izumrud radar system to enable it as an all-weather capable fighter. NATO code Fresco B

Mig-17F

SpeedWeightSpanLength
711mph (@3000m)8,640lb (empty), 13,375lb (max)31ft 7in36ft 11.5in

Basic fighter version but with imroved VK-1F engine, capable of afterburner use. NATO code Fresco F.

Mig-17PF

SpeedWeightSpanLength
698mph (@3000m)9,147lb (empty), 13,841lb (max)31ft 7in38ft 3.9in

All-weather fighter version with Izumrud radar and the VK-1F engine afterburner engine. NATO code Fresco D.

Mig-17PM/PFU

SpeedWeightSpanLength
698mph (@3000m)9,147lb (empty), 13,841lb (max)31ft 7in38ft 3.9in

Fighter version, with radar and K-5 AA missiles. NATO code Fresco E.

Mig-17R

SpeedWeightSpanLength
698mph (@3000m)9,147lb (empty), 13,841lb (max)31ft 7in38ft 3.9in

Reconnaissance version fitted with cameras and VK-1F engine.

Users

CountryServiceModelDates
AfghanistanAirforceMig-17F1957 to 1980s
AlbaniaAirforceMig-17 and J-51950 to ?
AlgeriaAirforceMig-17?
AngolaAirforce and Air Defence ForceMig-17?
BulgariaAirforceMig-17?
Burkina FasoAirforceMig-17?
CambodiaAirforceMig-17 and J-51967 to 1971
People’s Republic of ChinaAirforce and NavyMig-17 and J-51950s to date
Republic of CongoAirforceMig-17current
CubaAirforceMig-171960 to 1998?
CzechoslovakiaAirforceMig-17PF1950s to 1970s
East GermanyAirforceMig-171950s to 1990s
EgyptAirforceMig-171950s to 1980s
GuineaAirforceMig-17?
Guinea-BissauAirforceMig-15?
HungaryAirforceMig-17?
IndonesiaAirforceMig-17F and PF1961 to 1969
IraqAirforceMig-171950s to 1991
LibyaAirforceMig-17?
MongoliaAirforceMig-171970s to ?
MoroccoAirforceMig-17?
MozambiqueAirforceMig-17?
NigeriaAirforceMig-17?
North KoreaAirforceMig-17 and J-51950 to date
Vietnam (North)AirforceMig-171960s to ?
North YemenAirforceMig-17?
PakistanAirforceMig-17 and J-5? to 2012
PolandAirforce and NavyMig-17 and LIM-5?
RomaniaAirforceMig-17F and PF1955 to ?
SomaliaAirforceMig-17?
Soviet UnionAirforce and Air Defence ForceMig-17 (all versions)1952 to 1970s
Sri LankaAirforceMig-17?
SudanAirforceMig-15?
SyriaAirforceMig-17?
UgandaAirforceMig-17?
ZimbabweAirforceMig-17?

Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 (Fresco) Model kits etc.

What’s in the box of the Airfix 1/72 MiG-17F model kit?

Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 (Fresco) Sources and Reference

Books

Web




Stuart Fowle is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. This means that when you click on links to various products on this site/post and make a purchase, this can result in a commission that is credited to Stuart Fowle. This does not impact the price you pay.

Stuart Fowle is a participant in the Airfix Affiliates programme , an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Airfix.This means that when you click on links to various products on this site/post and make a purchase, this can result in a commission that is credited to Stuart Fowle. This does not impact the price you pay.