The MiG-17 is a refined version of the famous MiG-15 of the Korean War. Although similar in appearance to the MiG-15, the MiG-17 has more sharply swept wings, an afterburner, better speed and handling characteristics, and is about three feet longer. The first flight of a MiG-17 prototype took place in January 1950 and production began in late 1951. The first operational MiG-17s appeared in 1952 but were not available in sufficient quantities to take part in the Korean War. Five versions of the aircraft eventually were produced. The MiG-17 has served in the air arms of at least 20 nations throughout the world, including nations friendly to the U.S., and was flown against U.S. aircraft during the Vietnam War. Between 10 July 1965 and 14 February 1968, USAF F-105s and F-4s downed 61 MiG-17s.

The aircraft on display arrived at the Museum in 1991 and was once assigned to the Bulgarian Air Force. It represents one of the many “adversary aircraft” of the USAF.

Specifications:
  • Span: 31 ft. 7 in.
  • Length: 36 ft. 5 in.
  • Height: 12 ft. 6 in.
  • Weight: 13,380 lbs. max.
  • Armament: One 37mm and two 23mm cannons in the lower nose; 16 rockets in underwing pods or 1,100 lbs. of bombs externally
  • Engines: Klimov VK-1F jet engine of 7,452 lbs. thrust with afterburner
  • Serial Number: 540713
Performance:
  • Maximum speed: 711 mph.
  • Cruising speed: 535 mph.
  • Range: 510 miles (1,160 miles with external tanks)
  • Service ceiling: 57,000 ft.