MiG-17PF / SP-7F

The purpose of this project was to combine the combat resources of the MiG-17P and the MiG-17F into a single aircraft (hence the equa­tion MiG-17P + MiG-17F = MiG-17PF). Rolled out in 1952, the MiG – 17PF marked a new stage in the history of the MiG-17. It was powered by the same engine as the MiG-17F, a VK-1F rated at 2,595 daN (2,650 kg st) dry thrust and 3,310 daN (3,380 kg st) reheated thrust. It carried three NR-23 cannons, just like the MiG-17P. Its fire control radar was the RP-1 Izumrud. But the plans for this aircraft contained a number of structural and equipment modifications:

—the armament array and other equipment in the nose of the fuse­lage were repositioned

—because of the size of the afterburner duct, the exhaust pipe had to be redesigned

—a cooling shroud was set between the aircraft’s skin and the after­burner to protect some structurally significant items (SSI) of the fuselage

—additional hydraulic actuators were added to the afterburner control

—the GSR-3000 generator was replaced by the more sophisticated GSR-6000

—early versions of a radar warning receiver (nicknamed Sirena-2) and a ground position indicator (NI-50B) were installed

In terms of performance, the MiG-17F and the MiG-17PF were vir­tually identical. Despite the added takeoff weight the MiG-17PF did not differ much from the basic model except for its 360-degree turn time, which rose to 85 seconds (62 seconds with reheat), and its climb rate, which dropped to 55 meters per second (10,800 feet per minute). The MiG-17PF served in PVO units for several years before a complete reappraisal of its armament was ordered. All cannons were then removed and replaced by four radar-guided air-to-air missiles, and the MiG-17PFU was born.

The MiG-17PF was built in Poland as the LIM-5P and in Czechoslo­vakia as the S-104.

Specifications

Span, 9.628 m (31 ft 7 in); length, 11.68 m (38 ft 3.9 in); height, 3.8 m (12 ft 5.6 in); wheel track, 3.849 m (12 ft 7.5 in); wheel base, 3.44 m (11 ft 3.4 in); wing area, 22.6 m2 (243.3 sq ft); empty weight, 4,150 kg (9,147 lb); takeoff weight, 5,620 kg (12,386 lb); max takeoff weight, 6,280 kg (13,841 lb); fuel, 1,143 kg (2,519 lb); wing loading, 245.6-277 9 kg/m2 (50.3-57 lb/sq ft).

Performance

Max speed, 1,121 km/h at 4,000 m (605 kt at 13,120 ft); initial climb rate, 55 m/sec (10,800 ft/min); climb to 5,000 m (16,400 ft) in 2.5 min; to 10,000 m (32,800 ft) in 4.5 min; takeoff roll with reheat, 600 m (1,970 ft), landing roll with flaps set at 60 degrees, 830 m (2,720 ft).