Airfix Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F 'Fresco' 1:72 Plastic Kit

This detailed 1:72 scale model kit of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F 'Fresco' includes 87 parts and is designed for hobbyists aged 8 and older. With a wingspan measuring 134mm and a Skill Level 2 classification, this plastic kit provides a rewarding building experience and comes with options for two different paint schemes. As the larger and faster successor to the renowned MiG-15, the MiG-17 signifies a major advancement in Soviet jet technology, featuring a completely overhauled airframe with numerous enhancements over its forerunner.

Key Features

• 1:72 scale plastic model kit
• 87 parts for a rewarding building experience
• Skill Level 2 - suitable for budding modellers aged 8+
• Wingspan of 134mm
• Two genuine paint schemes included
• Cold War era Soviet fighter aircraft

History

Following the conclusion of the Second World War, the victorious Allied powers were eager to obtain German jet technology and high-speed research data to advance their own jet programmes. The Soviet Union utilised information and engine technology acquired from Britain to launch the compact Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in 1949, which became one of the most proficient early jet fighters.

While this aircraft demonstrated its effectiveness during the Korean War, the Soviets were already developing its replacement. The larger and quicker MiG-17 Fresco, although resembling an enlarged version of its predecessor, was a completely redesigned aircraft, integrating numerous enhancements over the MiG-15 and marking a significant leap in Soviet jet capabilities.

The MiG-17 was crafted to serve as a bomber interceptor and was not originally intended for dogfighting. Nevertheless, its remarkable manoeuvrability enabled it to achieve combat successes against much heavier and more advanced American aircraft.

The Vietnam War was a challenging period for the US Air Force, as some of their contemporary aircraft were outmatched by the MiG-17's weaponry. Being lighter and significantly more agile than American aircraft, the subsonic MiG-17 achieved victories over planes such as the F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas Phantom, prompting the US to develop new agile air superiority fighters.

With outstanding performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance, the durable MiG-17 was produced in vast numbers. It became the standard fighter for the Warsaw Pact from the mid-1950s for the following decade, with production under licence in both China and Poland.

It was an appealing fighter choice for numerous smaller air forces worldwide, with over thirty foreign nations eventually operating the type. Ironically, for a country the MiG-17 was designed to oppose, the United States became home to many of these aircraft, mostly acquired by private collectors, but a few were used in dissimilar aircraft trials and to refine combat techniques against smaller, more nimble jet fighters. Two beautifully restored examples have also been popular display performers on the US Airshow circuit over the years.