| title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiG-17F (NATO: Fresco C) - MiG-17F (Samolet SF, "Fresco C") | |||
| Mikojan-Gurevics MiG-17 |
In early 1953, the further improved MiG-17F entered production, which promptly proved the most-popular variant of this prolific type. The MiG- 17F was powered by the VK-1F engine, with an afterburner containing convergent-divergent nozzle and fuel system, which in turn necessitated a redesign of the rear fuselage. Notably, like the MiG-15bis before, it included an IFF-antenna installed on the top of the centre fuselage. This example belonged to the 117th Interceptor Aviation Regiment, and on 2 September 1958 was piloted by Senior Lieutenant Kucheryaev, when he led the intercept of the USAF C-130A-II 60-258 – a task Kucheryaev and his wingman, followed by two other MiG-17-pilots, completed without too many troubles, thanks to the heavy armament of their jets. As usual for the time, his MiG still wore the red Bort number 17: uneven Borts were always assigned to flight-leaders. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)