Lightning vs MiG-17 Fresco

The Lightning and the MiG-17 Fresco are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by English Electric and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. The Lightning reaches 2,414 km/h — 2.0x the MiG-17 Fresco's 1,193 km/h. The Lightning has an operational range of 1,367 km vs 2,020 km for the MiG-17 Fresco. The Lightning operates at altitudes up to 16,459 m compared to 15,600 m for the MiG-17 Fresco. At 20,752 kg MTOW, the Lightning is 4.0x the MiG-17 Fresco's 5,210 kg. The Lightning has been produced in 337 units vs 10,649 for the MiG-17 Fresco. Unit cost is $2M for the Lightning vs $0.6M for the MiG-17 Fresco. The MiG-17 Fresco first flew 4 years before the Lightning (1950 vs 1954).

British interceptor aircraft, recognized for Cold War era service, extensively deployed for high speed, high altitude defensive roles.
English Electric Lightning Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer English Electric
First flight 4 August 1954
Year introduced 1960
Number produced 337 units
Average unit price $2 million
Soviet jet fighter, renowned for significant roles during the Vietnam War, utilized for interception and ground-attack missions.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-17 Fresco Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 14 January 1950
Year introduced 1952
Number produced 10649 units
Average unit price $0.6 million
Wing area 44.1 m²
Wingspan 10.6 m
Height 6.0 m
Length 16.8 m
Maximum speed 2414 km/h
Operational range 1,367 km
Service ceiling 16,459 m
Max. takeoff weight 20,752 kg
Empty weight 14,092 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,368 kgf
Wing area 22.6 m²
Wingspan 9.6 m
Height 3.8 m
Length 11.3 m
Maximum speed 1193 km/h
Operational range 2,020 km
Service ceiling 15,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,210 kg
Empty weight 3,705 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,000 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The Lightning is faster with a maximum speed of 2,414 km/h compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 1,193 km/h, a difference of 1,221 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco has a longer range at 2,020 km compared to the Lightning's 1,367 km.
Which can fly higher, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The Lightning has a higher service ceiling at 16,459 meters (53,999 ft) compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 15,600 meters (51,181 ft).
Which is heavier, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The Lightning has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,752 kg compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 5,210 kg.
Which is larger, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The Lightning is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the MiG-17 Fresco's 11.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The Lightning is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-17 Fresco at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco entered service first in 1952, 8 years before the Lightning which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Lightning or MiG-17 Fresco?
The MiG-17 Fresco has been produced in greater numbers with 10,649 units compared to 337 units of the Lightning.