MiG-17 (fighter)

From Citizendium
Revision as of 00:57, 25 July 2008 by imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: Taking advantage of combat experience in the Korean War with the MiG-15, and recognizing the factors that put the MiG-15 at a disadvantage with the U.S. F-86 Sabre, the Mik...)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Taking advantage of combat experience in the Korean War with the MiG-15, and recognizing the factors that put the MiG-15 at a disadvantage with the U.S. F-86 Sabre, the Mikoyan and Gurevitch design bureau produced the MiG-17, NATO reporting name FRESCO. The new fighter looked superficially alike, but more sharply swept wings and an afterburner, making it faster and somewhat more maneuverable. It could hit Mach 1 in level flight. Its built-in weapons were not as heavy as those of the MiG-15, but with 3x23mm autocannon, faster firing.

First deployed in small quantities in 1950, by 1955, there was an all-weather version with the first Soviet air-to-air missiles. While it was obsolescent by the Vietnam War, it could still be effective when flown by a skilled pilot.