MiG-17 Fresco

MiG-17 FrescoTransportTags is proud to present to you a true icon of the Soviet Air Force and the Vietnam War the MiG 17 "Fresco A", Serial Number 541499, with nose marking "Red 124". These remarkable TransportTags, made from the skin of this storied MiG 17A, not only represent the legacy of the "Fresco" but also serve as a testament to the rich heritage of both the Soviet and Bulgarian Air Forces. Manufactured on September 21, 1953 in the USSR, this MiG 17 Fresco

TransportTags is proud to present to you a true icon of the Soviet Air Force and the Vietnam War - the MiG-17 "Fresco-A", Serial Number 541499, with nose marking "Red 124". These remarkable TransportTags, made from the skin of this storied MiG-17A, not only represent the legacy of the "Fresco" but also serve as a testament to the rich heritage of both the Soviet and Bulgarian Air Forces. Manufactured on September 21, 1953 in the USSR, this MiG-17 “Fresco-A” variant first took to the skies as part of the Soviet Air Force, showcasing the technological strides of its era. After being decommissioned from the Soviet Air Force, it was delivered to the Bulgarian Air Force in December 1961, thus creating a legacy of service that spanned years and transcended borders. 

Our aircraft Red 124 on the flight ramp in Bulgaria next to Red 45 which would suffer a fatal crash in 1980.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, this MiG-17A was an integral part of the 21st Fighter Regiment (21 IAP) in Uzundzhovo, Bulgaria, steadily clocking hours and demonstrating its reliability. By 1981, it was transferred to the 26th Reconnaissance Regiment (26 RAP) in Tolbuhin, Bulgaria (now known as Dobrich). The aircraft dutifully served with the regiment until its retirement, recording a total of 2315:29 hours on its airframe. These flight hours stand as testimony of the countless missions it embarked upon, each one contributing to its rich history and impressive record.

Our MiG Red 124 in the Dolna Mitropoliya Boneyard in Bulgaria. Credit: Chennell Productions

The mid-1980s marked the end of this MiG-17's active service, but not its journey.  After retirement, it was stored at the Dolna Mitropoliya Airbase in Bulgaria, maintaining its silent vigil under the skies it once conquered. In the mid-1990s, the aircraft was put up for sale and eventually found its way to the USA, continuing its legacy across the Atlantic. The journey of this aircraft, from the assembly line in the Soviet Union, soaring the skies of the Motherland, and then in Uzundzhovo Bulgaria in the 70s, through its storage at Dolna Mitropoliya in 1995 - and its eventual migration to the USA, stands as a true testament to the enduring spirit of aviation and the impressive history of the MiG-17 "Fresco".

Credit: Chennell Productions

TransportTags acquired this MiG-17 in the fall of 2023. We were impressed with its provenance and pedigree from not just the Soviet Air Force, but also the Bulgarian Air Force. Sadly, this MiG had been stripped and scattered during its importation process to the United States, so it was not feasible to do a full restoration. However, we felt that it was an important aircraft, and that through our tags its history could be preserved and shared, effectively saluting the “Frescos” storied legacy. 

These MiG-17 TransportTags showcase the breathtaking and vibrant color scheme of the Bulgarian Air Force. From the mesmerizing blue on the underside to the rugged green and tan camouflages, the striking anodized gold, and the exquisite Red Star Roundel of the Bulgarian Air Force, these tags capture the essence of the aircraft's livery. It can be argued that the Bulgarian Air Force's livery is the most vibrant among all MiG-17 aircraft. When you are holding a MiG-17 TransportTag in your hand, you are not just holding a piece of aviation history - but also a part of the Soviet Union.