Shenyang J-5 "Fresco"

Shenyang Aircraft Corporation · China · first flew 1956 · fighter

The Shenyang J-5 is a Chinese licence-built version of the Soviet MiG-17F, representing China's first domestically produced jet fighter. It closely mirrors the MiG-17 in layout and performance.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, swept
E — Engines	1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	11.36 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Chinese-built MiG-17 derivative
Mid-mounted swept wings with distinctive dogtooth leading edge
Single turbojet with nose intake

Nearly identical to the MiG-17 externally; look for the PLAAF red star markings and the characteristic three-spar wing with compound taper. The dogtooth leading-edge break on the outer wing panel is a key feature shared with late MiG-17 variants.

Specifications

The Shenyang J-5 has a length of 11.36 m (37 ft).
It has a wingspan of 9.63 m (32 ft).
Its maximum speed is 1145 km/h (711 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

China acquired the right to produce the MiG-17 under Soviet assistance in the mid-1950s, with the first J-5 flying in 1956. Production continued through the late 1950s, yielding several hundred airframes before the Sino-Soviet split curtailed further cooperation. The type saw combat during the Taiwan Strait crises.

Variants

The JJ-5 is a two-seat trainer derivative retaining the same basic airframe; small modifications were made to the engine inlet and avionics compared to the Soviet original.

Where you'll see it

The J-5 served with the People's Liberation Army Air Force into the 1990s in secondary roles; export customers included Albania, North Korea, and Pakistan.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.