
MiG-17 "FRESCO"
Opposing Rolling Thunder 1965-68
Istvan Toperczer(Author)
Osprey Publishing
Will be published approx. on 17. December 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
80 pages
978-1-4728-7424-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
Colour artwork plates and maps; black & white and colour photographs and illustrations.
Dimensions
Height: 248 mm
Width: 184 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4728-7424-5 (9781472874245)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Istvan Toperczer is a flight surgeon with the Hungarian Air Force. In his spare time, he has become one of the few individuals from outside Vietnam to be given open access to the files of the VPAF. He has previously written five series volumes on VPAF MiGs for Osprey.
The illustrators for this title are Gareth Hector (cover and battlescene), Jim Laurier (armament views) and Tim Brown (ribbon and technical diagrams).
The illustrators for this title are Gareth Hector (cover and battlescene), Jim Laurier (armament views) and Tim Brown (ribbon and technical diagrams).
Author
Author
Illustrated by
Illustrator
Illustrator
Content
(Subject to confirmation)
1. In Battle
2. Setting the Scene
3. Path to Combat
4. Weapon of war
5. Art of War
6. Combat
Aftermath
Bibliography
Index
1. In Battle
2. Setting the Scene
3. Path to Combat
4. Weapon of war
5. Art of War
6. Combat
Aftermath
Bibliography
Index