The story
The MiG-17 is a MiG-15 stretched and given a wing swept harder, plus an afterburner. It was obsolete by the time of Vietnam, and it did not matter: in a turning fight at low speed it could get inside an F-4 or an F-105, and North Vietnamese pilots used it to deadly effect. Most survivors are Polish-built Lim-5s, and a few American collectors fly them hard on the airshow circuit.
In April 1965 MiG-17s shot down two F-105 Thunderchiefs, aircraft that could fly nearly twice their speed — the first confirmed US losses to enemy fighters in the war.
Quick answers
How do you identify a MiG-17?
The MiG-15's round nose intake, but a longer fuselage and a wing with a kink in the leading edge where the sweep changes. Three wing fences per side are the quick tell.
What does a MiG-17 sound like?
A heavy, crackling roar; with the afterburner lit it shakes the airshow fence.
How fast is the MiG-17?
Top speed is 594 kts.
How many people does the MiG-17 carry?
Typical configuration: Single-seat fighter.
How far can the MiG-17 fly?
Range is about 1,100 nmi.
How big is the MiG-17?
It is 36 ft 11 in long and 31 ft 7 in across the wings.
When did the MiG-17 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1950.
How many MiG-17s have been built?
10,600+ built.
How rare is a MiG-17 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first MiG-17 catch is worth 250 points.
