The MiG-17 is a refined version of the famous MiG 15 . Although similar in appearance to the MiG-15, the MiG-17 has more sharply swept wings, an afterburner, better speed and handling characteristics and is about three feet longer. The first flight of a MiG-17 prototype took place in January 1950 and production began in late 1951. The first operational MiG-17s appeared in 1952. Five versions of the aircraft eventually were produced. It has been serving with the Albanian Air Force since 1970's and most of the types are still fully operational.

SPECIFICATIONS
(Data for the MiG-17F "Fresco C")
Span: 31 ft. 7 in.
Length: 36 ft. 5 in.
Height: 12 ft. 6 in.
Weight: 13,380 lbs. max.
Armament: One 37mm and two 23mm cannons in the lower nose plus 16 rockets in underwing pods or 1,100 lbs. of bombs (externally)
Engine: Klimov VK-1F jet engine of 7,452 lbs. thrust with afterburner

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 711 mph.
Cruising speed: 535 mph.
Range: 510 miles (1,160 miles with external tanks)
Service Ceiling: 57,000 ft.