MiG-17 / Lim-5 (NATO code name “Fresco”)
Mikoyan-Gurevich / PZL Mielec
MiG-17 / Lim-5 (NATO code name “Fresco”)
FIGHTER
The MiG-17 built on the success of the Soviet MiG-15 in the Korean
War (1950–1953). The single-seat MiG-17 fighter had thinner wings that swept back more sharply, a longer fuselage and a redesigned tail. The Klimov VK-1 engine also had an afterburner, which allowed for greater speed and improved handling. Variants of the MiG-17 served in approximately 20 air forces worldwide. More than 6,000 examples were fabricated by the Soviet Union alone until production ended in 1958.
The MiG-17’s maneuverability and cannon armament proved legendary in dogfights of the Vietnam War (1955–1975). It outmaneuvered American missiles and outflew larger, faster American jet fighters. Three North Vietnamese pilots became aces flying the MiG-17. The North Vietnamese Air Force created its first MiG-17 unit in February 1964. It called its unpainted MiG-17s “Silver Swallows” and the camouflaged versions “Snakes.” The first squadron of pilots received training in the People’s Republic of China; others received training in the Soviet Union.
Late in the war, a handful of MiG-17s were modified to carry bombs for use in anti- shipping strikes. One mission was launched against the U.S. Navy. Two MiG-17s attacked a U.S. destroyer and a light cruiser, causing minimal damage and no casualties.
This aircraft is a Polish-built PZL-Mielec Lim-5, painted in the same camouflage as a MiG-17 of the North Vietnamese Air Force.
(Description from Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum)
MiG-17 / Lim-5 (NATO code name “Fresco”)
Mikoyan-Gurevich / PZL Mielec
MiG-17 / Lim-5 (NATO code name “Fresco”)
FIGHTER
The MiG-17 built on the success of the Soviet MiG-15 in the Korean
War (1950–1953). The single-seat MiG-17 fighter had thinner wings that swept back more sharply, a longer fuselage and a redesigned tail. The Klimov VK-1 engine also had an afterburner, which allowed for greater speed and improved handling. Variants of the MiG-17 served in approximately 20 air forces worldwide. More than 6,000 examples were fabricated by the Soviet Union alone until production ended in 1958.
The MiG-17’s maneuverability and cannon armament proved legendary in dogfights of the Vietnam War (1955–1975). It outmaneuvered American missiles and outflew larger, faster American jet fighters. Three North Vietnamese pilots became aces flying the MiG-17. The North Vietnamese Air Force created its first MiG-17 unit in February 1964. It called its unpainted MiG-17s “Silver Swallows” and the camouflaged versions “Snakes.” The first squadron of pilots received training in the People’s Republic of China; others received training in the Soviet Union.
Late in the war, a handful of MiG-17s were modified to carry bombs for use in anti- shipping strikes. One mission was launched against the U.S. Navy. Two MiG-17s attacked a U.S. destroyer and a light cruiser, causing minimal damage and no casualties.
This aircraft is a Polish-built PZL-Mielec Lim-5, painted in the same camouflage as a MiG-17 of the North Vietnamese Air Force.
(Description from Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum)