Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 F - USAF. KINETIC K48169

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 (NATO reporting name Fresco) is a Soviet single-engine, mid-wing, all-metal jet fighter featuring swept wings and a conventional tail unit. The prototype made its maiden flight in January 1950.

The MiG-17 was a direct evolution of the MiG-15 design. Improvements focused on a new powerplant (the Klimov VK-1F turbojet with afterburner), refined aerodynamics, and the integration of airborne radar in later variants. The first mass-produced version was the MiG-17F; this was followed by the MiG-17PF, equipped with an interception radar, and the MiG-17PFU, which had radar-guided missile capability.

The aircraft was also produced under license in several countries, including Poland and China. In Poland, serial production began in 1956 under the designation Lim-5, alongside the development of a ground-attack variant (Lim-6bis). Remarkably, the MiG-17 remains in active service with the air forces of Mali and North Korea.