The MiG-17 was a Soviet-made fighter jet widely used during the Cold War. It was an upgrade of the MiG-15 and first flown in 1950. The MiG-17 was produced in large numbers and flown by many countries besides the USSR. It's famous for its use by North Vietnam against American jets in the Vietnam War. Even though it was designed to fight bombers, it was surprisingly effective against American fighters due to its agility and maneuverability.