Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17
⎯⎯⎯
PZL-Mielec Lim-5 (NATO Code Name Fresco)

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022
1. Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 / PZL-Mielec Lim-5 (NATO Code Name Fresco) Marker
The MiG-17 built on the success of the Soviet MiG-15 in the Korean War (1950-1953). The single-seat MiG-17 fighter had thinner wings that swept back more sharply, a longer fuselage and a redesigned tail. The Klimov VK-1 engine also had an afterburner, which allowed for greater speed and improved handling. Variants of the MiG-17 served in approximately 20 air forces worldwide. More than 6,000 examples were fabricated by the Soviet Union alone until production ended in 1958.
The MiG-17's maneuverability and cannon armament proved legendary in dogfights of the Vietnam War (1955-1975). It outmaneuvered American missiles and outflew larger, faster American jet fighters. Three North Vietnamese pilots became aces flying the MiG-17. The North Vietnamese Air Force created its first MiG-17 unit in February 1964. It called its unpainted MiG-17s "Silver Swallows" and the camouflaged versions "Snakes." The first squadron of pilots received training in the People's Republic of China; others received training in the Soviet Union.
Late in the war, a handful of MiG-17s were modified to carry bombs for use in anti-shipping strikes. One mission was launched against the U.S. Navy. Two MiG-17s attacked a U.S. destroyer and a light cruiser, causing minimal damage and no casualties.
This aircraft is a Polish-built PZL-Mielec Lim-5, painted in the same camouflage as a MiG-17 of the North Vietnamese Air Force.
Length: 36 feet 6 inches (11.1 m)
Wingspan: 31.5 feet (9.6 m)
Height: 12.5 feet (3.8 m)
Empty Weight: 8,664 pounds (3,930 kg)
Max Weight: 13,379 pounds (6,069 kg)
Top Speed: 711 miles per hour (1,145 kph)
Ceiling: 54,460 feet (16,600 m)
Crew: One
Armament: Two or three NR-23 23mm cannons, one N-37 37mm cannon, and 1,102 pounds (499 kg) of rockets and bombs
[Captions:]
North Vietnamese MiG-17 pilots walk past their aircraft during the Vietnam War. The MiG-17 was the first modern jet in the North Vietnamese Air Force.
The Polish-built Lim-5 is identical to the Russian-designed MiG-17. This photo shows off the aircraft's sleek lines and the extreme angle of the wing sweep, which make the MiG-17 fast and agile at all altitudes.
Erected by Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold • War, Vietnam. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1964.
Location. 40° 45.894′ N, 74° 0.059′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 5, 2022
2. Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 / PZL-Mielec Lim-5 (NATO Code Name Fresco) Marker
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chance Vought (F8U) F-8K Crusader (here, next to this marker); Bell UH-1A Iroquois (Huey) (a few steps from this marker); Bell AH-1J Sea Cobra (a few steps from this marker); McDonnell F-4N Phantom II (a few steps from this marker); Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 PFM (NATO Code Name Fishbed F) (a few steps from this marker); Northrop T-38N Talon (a few steps from this marker); Kamikaze Attack on Gun Tub 10 (a few steps from this marker); Portside Aircraft Elevator (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 351 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.