Airfix A03091A Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F 'Fresco' 1/72

Classic Kit A03091A - Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F 'Fresco' (1:72) is a 1/72-scale plastic model kit from Airfix. It is suitable for building a collector’s model, a display piece, or a themed diorama.

Glue-together model aircraft. Scale: 1:72; 15.6 cm. Package contents: 87 parts to be glued together.

Manufacturer’s Information

Model airplane kit. Scale: 1:72; 15.6 cm. Package contains: 87 parts to assemble.
c Information about the original and the model:
At the end of World War II, the victorious Allied nations were desperately trying to obtain details about German jet aircraft technology and data on high-speed research that they could use for their own jet aircraft projects. The Soviet Union utilized information and engine technology obtained from Britain and, in 1949, introduced a scaled-down version of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15—one of the most capable early jet fighters.

Although this aircraft proved its worth during the Korean War, the Soviets were already working on its successor. Although the larger and faster MiG-17 Fresco looked like a scaled-up version of its predecessor, it was a completely redesigned aircraft that incorporated many improvements over the MiG-15 and represented a significant increase in Soviet jet capabilities.

The MiG-17 was designed to serve as a bomber killer and was never intended to be a fighter aircraft. However, its exceptional maneuverability allowed it to achieve combat victories over much heavier and more modern American aircraft.

The Vietnam War was a sobering experience for the U.S. Air Force, as some of its modern aircraft fell victim to the MiG-17’s weapons. Lighter and far more agile than American aircraft, the subsonic MiG-17s scored victories over aircraft such as the F-105 Thunderchief and the McDonnell Douglas Phantom, prompting the U.S. to develop new, agile air-superiority fighters.

Thanks to their excellent performance, low cost, and ease of maintenance, the rugged MiG-17s were produced in large numbers. From the mid-1950s onward, it became the standard fighter aircraft of the Warsaw Pact and was produced under license in both China and Poland throughout the following decade.

It was an attractive fighter option for many of the world’s smaller air forces, and ultimately, more than thirty countries overseas operated this model. Ironically, given who the MiG-17 was intended to counter, the United States became home to a significant number of these aircraft, most of which ended up in the hands of private collectors, though a small number were used in testing other aircraft and to refine combat tactics against smaller, more agile jet fighters. Over the years, two beautifully restored examples have also been popular exhibits at American air shows.

Model Details:
Scale: 1:72
Number of parts: 87
Length: 156 mm
Width: 134 mm
Height: 53
Difficulty: 2
Flying Hours Points: 1

Recommended for children ages 8 and up.

Warning: Choking hazard! This product contains small parts. NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE!

Assembly Recommendations

• Use a suitable model glue to glue the parts together.
• We recommend model paints and fine brushes to finish the model.
• Model-making tools are useful for precise finishing of the parts.