The Shenyang J-5 (NATO reporting name Fresco) is a Chinese-built single-seat jet interceptor and fighter aircraft, licensed version of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17. The J-5 was exported as the F-5 and was originally designated Dongfeng-101 (East Wind-101) and also Type 56 before being designated J-5 in 1964.

The MiG-17 was license-built in China and Poland into the 1960s. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) obtained a number of Soviet-built MiG-17 Fresco-A day fighters, designated J-4 in the early 1950s. To introduce modern production methods to Chinese industry the PLAAF obtained plans for the MiG-17F Fresco-C day fighter in 1955, along with two completed pattern aircraft, 15 knockdown kits, and parts for ten aircraft. The first Chinese-built MiG-17F, (serialed Zhong 0101), produced by the Shenyang factory, performed its initial flight on July 19th, 1956, with test pilot Wu Keming at the controls.

Plans were obtained in 1961 for the MiG-17PF interceptor and production began, as the J-5A (F-5A), shortly afterwards. At this time the Sino-Soviet split occurred, causing much disruption to industrial and technical projects, so the first J-5A did not fly until 1964, when the type was already obsolete. A total of 767 J-5s and J-5As had been built when production ended in 1969.

The Chinese also built a two-seat trainer version of the MiG-17, designated the Chengdu JJ-5 (Jianjiji Jiaolianji - Fighter Trainer - FT-5), from 1968, by combining the two-seat cockpit of the MiG-15UTI, the VK-1A engine of the J-5, and the fuselage of the J-5A. All internal armament was deleted and a single Nudelman-Richter NR-23 23 mm cannon was carried in a ventral pack. Production of the JJ-5 reached 1,061 when production ceased in 1986, with the type exported to a number of countries.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a North Vietnamese Air Force Shenyang J-5 (MiG 17F) "Fresco C" fighter that was attached to the 923 IAP "Yen The" during May 1967. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-1/4-inches
Length: 6-1/4-inches

Release Date: December 2017

Historical Account: "Grappling with Goliath" - The North Vietnamese Air Force (NVAF) received its first jet fighter aircraft, the MiG-17, in February 1964, but they were initially stationed at air bases on Mainland China, while their pilots were being trained. On February 3rd, 1964, the first fighter regiment No. 921 (Trung doan Khong quan Tiem kich 921), aka "Red Star squadron", was formed, and on August 6th it arrived from China in North Vietnam with its MiG-17s. On September 7th, the No. 923 fighter regiment, aka "Yen The Squadron", led by Lt. Col. Nguyen Phuc Trach, was formed. In May 1965, No. 16 bomber company (Dại doi Khong quan Nem bom 16) was formed with Il-28 twin engine bombers. Only one Il-28 sortie was flown in 1972 against Royal Laotian forces.

The North Vietnamese Air Force's first jet air-to-air engagement with US aircraft was on April 3rd, 1965. The NVAF claimed the shooting down of two US Navy F-8 Crusaders, which was not confirmed by US sources, although they acknowledged having encountered MiGs. Consequently, April 3rd became "North Vietnamese Air Force Day". On April 4th, the VPAF (NVAF) scored the first confirmed victories to be acknowledged by both sides. The US fighter community was shocked when relatively slow, post-Korean era MiG-17 fighters shot down advanced F-105 Thunderchief fighters-bombers attacking the Thanh Hoa Bridge. The two downed F-105s were carrying their normal heavy bomb load, and were not able to react to their attackers

Later, on May 12th, 1967, Colonel N.C. Gaddis and 1Lt. J.M. Jefferson - while flying F-4C 63-7614 of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing - were part of a patrol providing coverage for a strike on Ha Dong, North Vietnam. Heavy ground fire damaged 63-7614 and once the ground fire ended VPAF aircraft were launched. One of the aircraft was Shenyang J-5 (MiG-17F) "2011" - wearing the "Snake Camo" - and piloted by Ngo Duc Mai who then shot down the F-4C. Shenyang J-5 "2011" is on display at the VPAF Museum in Hanoi wearing 9 kill markings.