The
MiG-17 is a refined version of the Mig-15
with a redesigned wing with 45 degree sweep and a lengthened
fuselage to reduce drag. The prototype first flew in 1950 with
production deliveries beginning in 1952. NATO gave the MiG-17
the code name Fresco.
An afterburning engine was added for the MiG-17F
and all-weather capability to the MiG-17PF. The MiG-17PFU
was the first Soviet missile armed interceptor.
Chengdu in China built a license version, the J-5
and a two-seat trainer, the JJ-5.
Although considered obsolete by the mid-1960s, the
MiG-17 saw extensive use by North Vietnam against the U.S. Air
Force.
