Mikoyan MiG-17 Fresco-A“ At War

At the end of World War II, the victorious Allied nations were desperately trying to obtain details of German jet engine technology and research data on high-speed aircraft that they could use for their own projects.
The Soviet Union used information and engine technology obtained from Britain to introduce the tiny Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in 1949—one of the most capable of the early jet fighters.
Although this aircraft proved effective in the Korean War, the Soviets were already working on its successor. While the larger and faster Mig-17 "Fresco" looked like a larger incarnation of its predecessor, it was a completely new design aircraft that included many improvements over the MiG-15 and a significant improvement on Soviet capabilities.
The MiG-17 was designed as a bomber killer and was never intended to be an air fighter.
However, its exceptional maneuverability allowed this aircraft to score combat victories over much heavier and more modern American designs.
The Vietnam War was a sobering experience for the US Air Force, as several of its modern aircraft fell victim to the MiG-17's weapons.
The subsonic MiG-17 was lighter and much more maneuverable than the US aircraft, and won victories over aircraft such as the F-105 Thunderchief and the McDonnell Douglas Phantom, leading the US to develop new maneuverable air superiority fighters.
The rugged MiG-17 had excellent performance, was inexpensive and easy to maintain, and was produced in large numbers.
From the mid-1950s and into the following decade, it became the standard fighter of the Warsaw Pact, with aircraft produced under license in both China and Poland.
It was an attractive fighter option for many of the world's smaller air forces, and more than thirty overseas nations eventually deployed the type.

Plastic model kit

1:48 scale

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included