The MiG-17 is a Soviet jet fighter that first flew in 1950. It was designed as a lightweight, agile aircraft for air-to-air combat and became known for its speed and maneuverability. The MiG-17 was an improvement over its predecessor, the MiG-15, featuring a more powerful engine and enhanced aerodynamics. This aircraft saw extensive use during the Vietnam War and was operated by several countries around the world. With its distinctive swept-wing design, the MiG-17 was capable of reaching speeds of over 1,000 km/h (620 mph) and played a significant role in various conflicts during the Cold War era.