Intro
Discover the MiG-17 NATO reporting name Fresco also nicknamed Freelancer, a Soviet-era jet fighter aircraft. Learn about its design, development, and operational history, as well as its variants and usage by various air forces. Explore its characteristics, armament, and performance, and understand its significance in Cold War aviation.
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17, a Soviet-era jet fighter, played a significant role in the Cold War era. Its NATO reporting name was "Fresco," not "Freelancer." The MiG-17 was a development of the earlier MiG-15, with improvements in design, engine, and armament.
The MiG-17 was designed to be a more maneuverable and faster aircraft than its predecessor, with a top speed of over Mach 1.03. Its armament consisted of two 23mm NR-23 cannons, one 37mm N-37 cannon, and two K-13 air-to-air missiles. The MiG-17 also featured a distinctive appearance, with a pointed nose, swept wings, and a large vertical stabilizer.
The MiG-17 saw service in numerous countries, including the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, and Vietnam. It played a significant role in the Vietnam War, where it was used by the North Vietnamese Air Force against American aircraft. The MiG-17 was also used in other conflicts, such as the Middle East and Africa.
Design and Development
The MiG-17 was developed from the earlier MiG-15, with improvements in design, engine, and armament. The new aircraft featured a more powerful engine, the Klimov VK-1F, which produced 7,200 pounds of thrust. The MiG-17 also had a redesigned fuselage, with a pointed nose and a larger vertical stabilizer.
The MiG-17's wings were also redesigned, with a greater sweep angle and a more pronounced anhedral. This gave the aircraft greater maneuverability and stability at high speeds. The MiG-17's armament consisted of two 23mm NR-23 cannons, one 37mm N-37 cannon, and two K-13 air-to-air missiles.
Operational History
The MiG-17 saw service in numerous countries, including the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, and Vietnam. It played a significant role in the Vietnam War, where it was used by the North Vietnamese Air Force against American aircraft.
The MiG-17 was also used in other conflicts, such as the Middle East and Africa. In the Middle East, the MiG-17 was used by Egypt and Syria against Israel. In Africa, the MiG-17 was used by several countries, including Angola and Mozambique.
Variants
There were several variants of the MiG-17, including:
- MiG-17: The original production version, with a Klimov VK-1F engine and two 23mm NR-23 cannons.
- MiG-17P: A radar-equipped version, with a Klimov VK-1F engine and two 23mm NR-23 cannons.
- MiG-17PF: A radar-equipped version, with a Klimov VK-1F engine and two 23mm NR-23 cannons.
- MiG-17R: A reconnaissance version, with a Klimov VK-1F engine and two 23mm NR-23 cannons.
Operators
The MiG-17 was operated by several countries, including:
- Soviet Union
- China
- North Korea
- Vietnam
- Egypt
- Syria
- Angola
- Mozambique
Specifications
- Length: 11.36 meters (37 feet 3 inches)
- Wingspan: 9.63 meters (31 feet 7 inches)
- Height: 3.8 meters (12 feet 6 inches)
- Empty weight: 3,900 kilograms (8,600 pounds)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 5,350 kilograms (11,800 pounds)
- Engine: 1 x Klimov VK-1F turbojet engine
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.03 (1,145 km/h or 712 mph)
- Range: 1,200 kilometers (750 miles)
- Service ceiling: 16,600 meters (54,500 feet)
- Rate of climb: 65 meters per second (12,800 feet per minute)
Gallery of Mig-17
Mig-17 Image Gallery
What was the NATO reporting name for the MiG-17?
+The NATO reporting name for the MiG-17 was "Fresco".
What was the top speed of the MiG-17?
+The top speed of the MiG-17 was over Mach 1.03.
What was the armament of the MiG-17?
+The armament of the MiG-17 consisted of two 23mm NR-23 cannons, one 37mm N-37 cannon, and two K-13 air-to-air missiles.
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