Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F. The Soviet MiG-17 (NATO code-name "Fresco") was designed to replace the famous MiG-15 of the Korean War. Although similar in appearance to the MiG-15, the MiG-17 had more sharply swept wings, a longer fuselage, an afterburner, and better speed and handling characteristics. The first flight of a MiG-17 prototype took place in January 1950, and production began in late 1951. The first operational MiG-17s appeared in 1952, but they were not available in sufficient quantities to take part in the Korean War. Five versions of the aircraft eventually were produced. The MiG-17 has served in the air arms of at least 20 nations throughout the world -- including nations friendly to the United States -- and was flown against U.S. aircraft in Southeast Asia.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: One 37mm and two 23mm cannons and 16 rockets in underwing pods or 1,100 lbs. of bombs
Engine: Klimov VK-1F of 7,452 lbs. thrust
Maximum speed: 711 mph
Range: 510 miles (1,160 miles with external tanks)
Ceiling: 57,000 ft.
Span: 31 ft. 7 in.
Length: 36 ft. 5 in.
Height: 12 ft. 6 in.
Weight: 13,380 lbs. maximum