A museum quality model that is practical to own and operate, super fast assembly at the field, minimum tools required. Easy and relaxing to fly from any surface, huge wide spaced wheels cope with any surface and offer superb ground handling.
The CARF-Models MiG-17 is modeled in a scale of 1:3.7, which leaves it at a wing span of 265 cm and a full weight of <25-28 kg (55-62 lb). It's a fully detailed all composite construction, even though the base model is painted silver in the molds, it can be ordered very individually in any scheme you have in mind.
This museum scale has been developed following the advice of several owners of restored full size owners of MiG-17s in the USA. Since it is very hard to find good original documentation, the cooperation with Pros like Bill Culberson and Jason Solmes has been priceless, and we would like to thank especially these two great MiG-17 enthusiasts, here and now, that our scale aircraft has become what it is:
Some of the restored fantastic examples of this historic airplane are nicely puttied and painted, shiny and spotless. Our approach, however, has been to recreate the true aluminum surface as natural as it gets. Not quite as 'rough' as the original as you might call it 'imperfect', we think that the level of scale fidelity is the best compromise between spotless and scale. All rivets, fasteners, hatches are recreated in a perfect scale fashion.
Due to its historic age a MiG-17 will always be hard to document - but with some imagination the surface detail has been lifted to another level. Even the inside panels of flaps, speed brake doors etc., show the scale detailing, as well as the thrust tube inside and outside, visible through the speed brake doors. Wing fences are all molded and properly glued on to the wing out of the box.
That's where the priceless contribution of our full scale MiG-17 owners come into play. Countless photos provided perfect outline documentation. Even the drawings you find on the internet are not always that accurate. So, a full documentation of full scale aircraft in service is the only way to get things right. When we had the opportunity at Jets Over Kentucky in 2021, to park the model beside the full size aircraft, it became obvious how well the job was executed. Wing tip contours, fillets, gun details, canopy shape and cockpit interior. That all was verified on this occasion. Having crafted this model during the height of COVID isolation it's even more remarkable how perfect it turned out. A milestone scale jet barely to be topped.
Everybody wants to know how to take a huge jet apart to transport it in his vehicle. Well, there is also a great engineering achievement here. noThe fuselage is separated in two parts, joint over 4 long 20 mm carbon tubes. The support is long enough that only the wings slid over the two wing tubes (one being in the front and one in the rear fuselage) will lock the two fuselage parts in place. So simple and genius it is. The wings are secured on their two wing tubes with one single knurled nut each side. Fin and horizontal stab are simply mounted on carbon tubes and secured with a single bolt. None of the parts of the CARF-Models MiG-17 is longer than 2 meter....
The landing gear of the MiG-17 is a beautiful replica of the full size gear. That, however, isn't an as simple design as one would think. The gear is swiveling forward when retracting, so the axis of rotation is all over the place but 90 degree. To accomplish this with a regular electron gear unit (NG units are used in this case) requires the angles of the gear plate and the gear unit itself to be precisely aligned. This has proven to be difficult for any modeler to do properly, so that we have decided to recommend opting for the ARF-Plus package, where the gear comes perfectly installed and aligned in the plane. Gear doors are simple and operated by 15mm Mini-Servos.
Even with drop tanks installed, many customer have proven that a 210-220N engine is fully sufficient for power. A little more will give you some more static thrust for dynamic climbs like large cuban eights or loops, and only there a brief period of full throttle is needed. We recommend the upper limit to be 230-240N.
The weathering and hot section of the MiG-17 are key areas where scale realism truly shines beyond its standards. The use of advanced painting techniques, airbrushing, and work of very skilled people replicates the effects of heat, grime, and operational wear seen on the full-scale MiG-17. These details not only enhance the model's visual appeal but also make it look like a true veteran of the skies.
Nothing stops RC enthusiasts from playing with their planes' small but impressive features. For example, a moving canopy, an outstanding light system made by UniLight, afterburner rings, scale speedbrakes in the rear fuselage. Not to be left out a higly detailed scale cockpit and the scale pilot figure.
We offer an extremely high-quality assembly service, delivering a ARF+ or ready-to-fly PNP model – including complete servo and wiring installation, electric retractable landing gear, and pre-installed fuel tank. The cockpit, light system, thrust tube and afterburner system can be installed as well. When you receive this model in the PNP version, final assembly takes just a few hours… A scale jet like our big MiG-17 has never been easier to get airborne! At the same time, the pictures show what your model can look like once you’ve completed the build – a true masterpiece in both looks and engineering.
For our MiG-17, we offer a wide range of accessories. These include the electric retractable landing gear, fuel tanks, scale cockpit, lighting set, thrust tube, and an optional UAT. In addition, we offer high-quality MacGregor servos in combination with our very own CARF-Models servo arms – perfectly matched to the model and the demands of a high-performance scale jet.
Like all our airplanes, the MiG-17 is no different. They boast meticulously applied PU paintwork, expertly executed in the molds. Explore a gallery of our stunning scale paint schemes, showcasing a collection of past projects, some of which were crafted to match unique customer requests. If you're seeking a personalized touch, we offer color swaps and completely custom designs developed through collaborative efforts between you and our skilled artists. Below are a few standout examples:
Flying the MiG-17 lets you quickly feel like sitting in the cockpit. It is all smooth and balanced. Aerobatics are slow, even though the pace of the plane can be remarkably fast and nimble. Don't forget that it was an almost trans-sonic fighter in the 60s, making it hard for the Huns and Phantoms to keep up with it in the Vietnam Wor. Take off, climb out slowly and watch the gear retract. Then turn around for the first flyby. Goosebumps. No matter if any kind of rolls, loops or combinations, everything feels like slow motion. Take time to think. Time to enjoy. Put flaps down and fly by at slow speed. Open the speed brake doors. Feel the wide speed range and the neutral behavior. More goosebumps. Set up for landing, put the gear down and align the plane for a smooth touch down, which happens almost by itself. Slow down with the efficient wheel brakes, open the canopy, turn around and taxi back, relive every minute of your flight while you shut down the engine. Even more goose bumps...
The Mig 17 is probably one of the most unique products that have hit the Jet segment in recent years. Only CARF can offer the ability to own a museum scale masterpiece that is not only truly competitive, but also exceptionally user friendly and reliable. Straight out of the box. This would have been the stuff of dreams when I first got into jets. You would have to beg the worlds best builders to take on a project like this, pay three times as much and wait 4 times as long...
Ali Machinchy, USA (World Class Pilot)
I never thought i would have that much fun with a scale jet like the MIG-17... After a few flights my mind has been changed by the unbelievable flying characteristics and I didn't wanted to fly anything else than that great scale jet. Just playing with the sliding canopy, the speed brakes or the lights before taking off and realising the detailed surface is worth the plane!
Max Chrubasik (Team & Factory Pilot)
I have several CARF jets, but so far the MiG17 has been the best of them all. Overall the design, workmanship and attention to scale details has been impressive. The maiden flight went very well and I was impressed by how good this jet flies. I have several scale jets but the CARF MiG17 has been the best flier among them. Looking forward to the next super scale jet from CARF.
David "JetGuy", USA (Platinum Customer)
I was very impressed with the quality of the build from the factory. I was a bit skeptical about the level of paint detail and quality the Andreas told me they could do. But I decided to have you guys do it, and i was not disappointed. Everything worked as it should. I needed to really do nothing to it. Other than installing my radio and turbine. Plane flies very solid and true. Only misses were the lack of detail in the cockpit and wheel wells. The surface detail is very good. Overall, very pleased with the model and am considering ordering another one.
George Hunter, USA (Customer)
Dave Willshere (Sales Rep UK)
Die CARF MiG-17 war in nur 8 Stunden nach dem Auspacken flugbereit. Ich habe sie mit dem kompletten Build-Kit bestellt, da ich fliegen und nicht bauen wollte – und die Qualität hat mich nicht enttäuscht. Alles war perfekt vorbereitet und bereit für meinen Sender und die Turbine. Der Erstflug verlief reibungslos – und sie ist deutlich einfacher zu fliegen, als sie aussieht.
Scott Lampkin, USA (Customer)
Tos Thotsaphon Piamyai, Thailand (Customer)
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2580 mm |
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3050 mm 2640 mm (Front und Heck Rumpf - kein SR und HR) |
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25 - 28 kg (55 - 65lbs) |
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210 - 250 N |
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8x Digital High Class Servos 6x Digital Midi High Class Servos |