MiG-17 'FRESCO'

An illustrated account of the against-the-odds successes of the MiG-17 "Fresco" in action against US combat aircraft during Operation Rolling Thunder. Following their elite training in the USSR and China, the Vietnam People''s Air Force (VPAF) pilots chosen to fly the MiG-17 achieved some stunning triumphs against the best US fighters committed to action over North Vietnam. The low-speed/high-g maneuvering attacks employed by the communist pilots proved to be highly effective, with the MiG-17''s heavy-caliber cannon inflicting a rising toll on American aircraft including the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and F-105 Thunderchief. Drawing on archival photographs and first-hand accounts from the pilots involved, this engaging new study reveals how a handful of MiG-17 regiments achieved 40 aerial victories over considerably more advanced US combat aircraft types following the commencement of Operation Rolling Thunder in March 1965. Leading VPAF authority Istvan Toperczer''s insightful research and tactical analyses shed fresh light on the important role played by the "Fresco" in the defense of North Vietnam, and are complemented by action-packed ribbon diagrams, as well as battlescene artwork and a detailed cutaway armament view.

About the author

István Toperczer

Product details

• Authors: István Toperczer, Istvan Toperczer, István Toperczer
• Assisted by: Tim Brown (Illustration), Gareth Hector (Illustration), Gareth Hector (Illustration), Hector Gareth (Illustration), Jim Laurier (Illustration), Jim Laurier (Illustration), Laurier Jim (Illustration), Tim Brown (Illustration)
• Publisher: Osprey Publishers
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 18.06.2026
• EAN: 9781472874245
• ISBN: 978-1-4728-7424-5
• No. of pages: 80
• Series: Dogfight
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Vietnam, Postwar 20th century history, from c 1945 to c 2000, military history, TRANSPORTATION / Aviation / History, Military vehicles, c 1960 to c 1970, History of engineering and technology, History of engineering & technology, c 1960 to c 1969, Military history: post-WW2 conflicts, c 1955 to c 1975 (Vietnam War period), Aircraft and aviation, Vietnam War, Aircraft: general interest, HISTORY / Wars & Conflicts / Vietnam War, HISTORY / Military / Vehicles / Air, Military vehicles and transport of air, land and sea