MiG-17 / J-5 Fresco – PDF

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 “Fresco” was developed during the early 1950s as an improved successor to the MiG-15. Although outwardly similar to its predecessor, the MiG-17 incorporated a redesigned swept wing, improved aerodynamics, and other refinements intended to provide better handling and stability at higher speeds. Later versions added an afterburning engine and radar, expanding the aircraft’s capabilities as both a day fighter and interceptor.

Entering Soviet service in the early 1950s, the MiG-17 became an important fighter for the Soviet Air Forces and was supplied extensively to Warsaw Pact and Soviet-aligned nations. The design was also manufactured outside the Soviet Union. China produced its own version of the MiG-17F as the Shenyang J-5, while Poland manufactured related aircraft as the Lim series. Chinese production significantly increased the number of MiG-17-family aircraft available to Communist and Soviet-aligned air forces around the world.

The MiG-17 family achieved particular prominence during the Vietnam War. North Vietnam operated Soviet-built MiG-17s as well as Chinese-built J-5s, which served alongside one another in the Vietnam People’s Air Force. These aircraft engaged technologically more advanced American fighters such as the F-4 Phantom II and F-8 Crusader. Although slower and lacking the sophisticated radar and missile systems of newer American fighters, the Fresco’s maneuverability and powerful cannon armament made it dangerous in close-range air combat.

MiG-17s and their foreign-built derivatives also served throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Although eventually superseded by more advanced fighters such as the MiG-19 and MiG-21, the NATO-designated “Fresco” remained operational in numerous countries for decades. Its widespread production, international service, and extensive combat record made the MiG-17/J-5 family one of the most recognizable Soviet-designed fighters of the Cold War.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 “Fresco”
Service Branch: Soviet Air Forces; numerous Soviet-allied air forces
Soviet Service: 1952–1960s
Number Built: 10,000+ (MiG-17 family, including licensed production)

Shenyang J-5 “Fresco”
Service Branch: People’s Liberation Army Air Force; Vietnam People’s Air Force and other foreign operators
Chinese Service: 1950s–1990s
North Vietnamese Service: 1960s–1970s
Number Built: 1,800+ in China

What’s Included:

For both versions

• 12 1.5” square counter images
• 24 1” square counter images
• 35 .75” square counter images
• 40 .625” square counter images
• Numbered Images to assist with game organization and tracking
• Printable PDF format for personal gaming use

Each image size is contained on a ½ sheet.

• Enables users to save paper and print 2 types of aircraft on the same page.
• Print one set of aircraft images then reverse the page in the printer and print a second type of your choice on the same page.