Airfix 1/72 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 'Fresco' (Shenyang J-5) Plastic Model Kit 03091

The end of the Second World War saw the victorious Allied nations desperately attempting to secure details of German jet technology and high speed research data, information which could be applied to their own jet projects. Using this information and engine technology obtained from Britain, the Soviet Union introduced the diminutive Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in 1949 one of the most capable of the early jet fighters and even as this aircraft was proving effective during the Korean War, the Soviets were already working on its successor. The larger and faster Mig-17 Fresco may have given the appearance of being nothing more than a larger incarnation of its predecessor, however, this was in fact a completely redesigned aircraft, incorporating many improvements over the MiG-15 and a significant upgrade in Soviet jet capability.

The MiG-17 was designed to perform the role of bomber killer and was never intended as a dogfighter, however its exceptional agility would allow this aircraft to score combat victories over much heavier and more modern American designs. Dismissing the aircraft as nothing more than an upgraded MiG-15, the Vietnam War proved to be something of a sobering experience for the US Air Force, as some of their most modern aircraft would fall victim to the guns of the MiG-17, even though this had itself been superseded by more modern designs. Lighter and much more manoeuvrable than the US aircraft, the subsonic MiG-17 would claim victories over such aircraft as the F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas Phantom, which would result in the US developing new agile air superiority fighters, in the years immediately following the end of the conflict.

Possessing both excellent performance and being easy to maintain, the rugged MiG-17 was produced in large numbers and became the standard Warsaw Pact fighter from the mid 1950s and for the next decade, with aircraft produced under licence in both China and Poland. An extremely cost effective aircraft, it was an attractive fighter option for many of the world's smaller air forces and more than thirty overseas nations would eventually operate the type. Perversely, for a nation against which the MiG-17 was designed to combat, America would become home to significant numbers of these aircraft, most coming into the hands of private collectors, but a small number used in dissimilar aircraft trials and to perfect combat techniques against smaller, more agile jet fighters. Two beautifully restored examples have also been popular display performers on the US Airshow circuit over the years.

Scale 1:72
Skill 2
Number of Parts 87
Dimensions (mm) L156 x W134
Age Suitability 8+

This detailed 1:72 scale model of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F 'Fresco' provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to recreate a pivotal fighter from the Cold War era. Comprising 87 parts, a wingspan of 134mm, and offering two distinct livery options, this skill level 2 kit embodies the agile Soviet interceptor that demonstrated its prowess during the Vietnam conflict., this plastic model lets you construct an aircraft that became the primary fighter for the Warsaw Pact during the 1950s and beyond.

Key Features

• Two genuine livery options for diverse display choices
• 134mm wingspan accurately reflects the compact nature of this nimble fighter
• 87 components provide a challenging build for skill level 2 modellers
• 1:72 scale depiction of the iconic MiG-17F 'Fresco'
• Includes sprues and decals for precise finishing touches
• Appropriate

History

At the conclusion of World War II, victorious Allied countries were eager to acquire insights into German jet advancements and high-speed research that could be applied to their own jet development. Leveraging this knowledge and engine technology sourced from Britain, the Soviet Union launched the compact Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in 1949, a standout among early jet fighters. While this aircraft was proving its effectiveness in the Korean War, the Soviets were already developing its successor.

The larger and swifter MiG-17 Fresco might have resembled an enlarged version of its predecessor, but it was a completely new design, featuring numerous enhancements over the MiG-15 and marking a significant leap in Soviet jet capabilities. The MiG-17 was crafted to target bombers, not for dogfighting. Nevertheless, its remarkable agility enabled it to achieve combat successes against much heavier and more advanced American aircraft. The Vietnam War was a reality check for the US Air Force, as some of their cutting-edge aircraft fell to the MiG-17's guns. Lighter and more agile than US planes, the subsonic MiG-17 scored victories over aircraft like the F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas Phantom, prompting the US to develop new nimble air superiority fighters.

With outstanding performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance, the durable MiG-17 was mass-produced and became the standard fighter for the Warsaw Pact from the mid-1950s for the following decade, with production under licence in China and Poland. It became a favoured choice for many smaller air forces worldwide, with over thirty nations eventually operating the type. Ironically, for a nation the MiG-17 was designed to oppose, the United States became home to many of these aircraft, mostly acquired by private collectors, with a few used in trials against different aircraft types to refine combat tactics against smaller, more agile jets. Two meticulously restored examples have also been popular performers at US airshows over the years.

Key Specifications

• Finish: Plastic
• Skill Level: 2

Full Specifications