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The MiG-17 was an improved and significantly upgraded derivative of the original post-war MiG-15. Equipped with one of the world's first afterburning turbojet engines, which boasted considerably greater thrust than its predecessor, the MiG-17F variant was the first Russian aircraft capable of near-sonic velocities in level flight. Numerous versions of the MiG-17 were manufactured in Russia and several satellite countries. The type eventually saw combat in Vietnam, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.
The Museum's MiG-17F was Soviet-built, serving with the Moroccan Air Force. It was brought to the U.S. through the efforts of Major Genenal "Boots" Blesse, former president of the American Fighter Aces Association, and Col. Maj. Kabaj, Royal Moroccan Air Force. The transfer to the Champlin Fighter Museum was approved formally by His Highness, King Hassan II, in 1983. The MiG-17, Maj. Kabaj's personal aircraft, was transported by C-130 and truck to Mesa, Arizona following disassembly in Morocco. It has a non-afterburning Klimov VK-1 engine installed since an afterburning Klimov VK-1F engine was not available.
The MiG-17 now bears the markings of a standard-camouflaged North Vietnamese MiG-17F.
The MiG-17 was an improved and significantly upgraded derivative of the original post-war MiG-15. Equipped with one of the world's first afterburning turbojet engines, which boasted considerably greater thrust than its predecessor, the MiG-17F variant was the first Russian aircraft capable of near-sonic velocities in level flight. Numerous versions of the MiG-17 were manufactured in Russia and several satellite countries. The type eventually saw combat in Vietnam, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.
The Museum's MiG-17F was Soviet-built, serving with the Moroccan Air Force. It was brought to the U.S. through the efforts of Major Genenal "Boots" Blesse, former president of the American Fighter Aces Association, and Col. Maj. Kabaj, Royal Moroccan Air Force. The transfer to the Champlin Fighter Museum was approved formally by His Highness, King Hassan II, in 1983. The MiG-17, Maj. Kabaj's personal aircraft, was transported by C-130 and truck to Mesa, Arizona following disassembly in Morocco. It has a non-afterburning Klimov VK-1 engine installed since an afterburning Klimov VK-1F engine was not available.
The MiG-17 now bears the markings of a standard-camouflaged North Vietnamese MiG-17F.
East Lot (Temporary)
