| title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiG-17F (NATO: Fresco C) - MiG-17F (Samolet SF, "Fresco C") | |||
| Mikojan-Gurevics MiG-17 |
The MiG-17F had the distinction to become the most successful and widely used first-generation jet fighter in Bulgarian service, with the last examples continuing their faithful service in the fighter role until 1983 with the 21st IAP at Uzundzhovo and the 18th IAP at Dobroslavtsi. This is a Soviet-made MiG-17F from the first batch of 12 aircraft delivered in February 1957 to equip one squadron at the 11th IAP at Gabrovnitsa. On 20 January 1962, Leitenant Milush Solakov escaped from Bulgaria with this aircraft, flying from Gabrovnitsa to Acquaviva delle Fonti, near the large city of Bari in the southern part of Italy. The aircraft sustained serious damage in the emergency landing and following return to Bulgaria it was declared a write off.