Mig 17, sources of information?

[John Hill]

Hi, there is a possibility that our museum will be getting a Mig 17, believed to be complete but in non flying condition after several years outdoors.

I would very much like to make contact with someone who would be willing to answer questions that might arise while we give it a cosmetic restoration and put it on display. Questions such as how does one open the canopy and what checks to make for presence of pyrotechnics, seat cartridges etc etc.

Thanks

[Genghis the Engineer]

I've no personal knowledge, but I suggest contacting the Planes of Fame museum in Chino, CA, USA. They have a Mig-15 in flying condition, and a MiG-17 on static display, so should have a fair bit of knowledge, and obviously speak English.

G

[Fareastdriver]

Looking through the nosewheel bay there may be a small hatch that gives you access to the cockpit. Putting your hand in and pulling a lever on the seat will check to see if there are pyrotechnics in the seat.
If there are you have now solved the problem of getting the canopy open.

[Four Wings]

In 1956 during my National Service the Army sent me on a firefighting course at Kent Fire Brigade. One item of training was how to remove the pilot from a crashed jet fighter. They had a dummy Martin Baker set up on which we learnt what not to touch and how to disarm the ejector.

We were also taught about the MiG 15, I think from photos. The Russian ejector was described as highly dangerous, and whilst we were taught a theoretical safe way for removing the pilot, the unofficial advice was "leave him there if you don't want to eject with him".