The MiG-17 Fresco followed the MiG-15 Fagot into Soviet Air Force service and evolved into a highly maneuverahle, reliable and easy to maintain air combat fighter. The Fresco was one of the most widely exported fighters of all time and saw service in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, seeing combat in a number of conflicts. During the Vietnam war. the MiG-17F was respected by U. S. pilots flying faster, heavier aircraft of a newer generation. They quickly found out that the extremely maneuverahle. cannon armed Fresco С was a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat. Based on reports of air engagements over Vietnam, the MiG-17 had an influence on future American fighter designs. The cannon armament of the MiG-17 proved that gun armament for fighters was far from obsolete, a lesson lighter pilots brought home from Vietnam and impressed on the designers of the next generation of U. S. combat aircraft (the 1-14. F-15 and F-16 all have cannon armament).
Even forty years after its maiden flight, the MiG-17 is still in operational service with a number of air forces around the world — proof that the Fresco is a reliable and sound design.