The Soviet built Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 (Fresco) was initially called the MiG-15bis+45° and completed its maiden flight on January 13, 1950 and entered service in 1952. There were five variants of the MiG-17 with the MiG-17F (Fresco C) becoming the main variant. The new Klimov VK-1F engine was the first Soviet built engine with an afterburner and variable nozzle. The installation of this new engine gave the MiG-17F double the rate of climb of previous variants and greatly improved vertical maneuvers. This aircraft lacked radar and was purely a day-time fighter.
The Shenyang J-5 (NATO – Fresco) was a licensed version of the Soviet MiG-17. In the 1950s the PLAAF received several MiG-17As and designated them J-4 but in order for the PLAAF to use the latest production methods they needed newer aircraft so they obtained plans, kits and parts for the MiG-17F that would eventually become the J-5. The first built J-5 was serial 0101 and performed its maiden flight on July 19, 1956. This aircraft is on display at the China Aviation Museum located 40 km (25 mi) north of Beijing.