Dębica 2026-05-04
WSK PZL Mielec Lim-5 R nb 506.
WSK PZL Lim-5.
In 1956, the Polish Fighter Aviation had 541 fighters. All aircraft were turbojet-powered: MiG-15, MiG-15bis, Lim-1, Lim-2, and MiG-17 PF. In 1956, we purchased four MiG-17F aircraft from the Moscow State, two of which served as models for series production at PZL WSK-Mielec. In 1955, the decision was made to commence series production of MiG-17 fighters at the WSK PZL Mielec factory. The Soviets initially approved production of the MiG-17F version, without a radar sight. A version with a radar sight was introduced in 1959. In early 1956, WSK Mielec began preparations for production of the MiG-17F, designated Lim-5.
The first Lim-5, with the serial number 1C 00-01, left the factory in Mielec on May 25, 1956, while production of the ordered Lim-2 aircraft was still underway. The Lim-5 aircraft belonged to a test batch of three aircraft, numbered 1C 00-01 to 1C 00-03. The aircraft underwent factory and military tests. On November 28, 1956, the aircraft were handed over to the military and relocated to the Bemowo airport. This was five days after the delivery of the last Lim-2 fighter to the military. The first Lim-5, numbered 1C 00-01, became the aircraft of the Air Force Commander. Years later, it was transferred to Dęblin as a teaching aid.
The Bemowo (Babice) airport became a training ground for Polish pilots for the Lim-5. Further Lim-5 aircraft were delivered from the factory as early as 1957. One aircraft was sent to Dęblin, and one was also sent to the Technical Institute for further flight tests.
By the spring of 1957, Lim-5 production was well underway. Subsequent aircraft were delivered directly to combat regiments. In total, throughout 1957, the military received 73 Lim-5 fighters from the Mielec factory. This was supplemented by four MiG-17Fs and 12 MiG-17PFs previously imported from the Moscow State. The total number of Lim-5 fighters was 84. By the end of 1957, 222 Lim-5 fighters had rolled off the Mielec assembly line.
From February 8, 1957, to April 19, 1957, the first example of the second production series, the 1C 02-01, underwent trials. This example did not yet have the SRD-1M radio rangefinder due to delivery delays from the CCCP. The aircraft was also 130 kg heavier than the Soviet model, presumably because subsequent modifications had already been incorporated into the Polish aircraft. This aircraft was not handed over to the military, but served as a model for series production. In March 1958, the aircraft was transferred to the Institute of Aviation. At Bemowo Airport in Warsaw, the aircraft passed all tests. Tests were completed in December 1959. Later, an AFA-39 system was mounted on this example under the center fuselage, creating the Lim-5 R.
Production of the Lim-5 aircraft ended on June 30, 1960, after 477 units had been built, of which 120 fighters from the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th series were delivered to the German Democratic Republic. A total of 19 production series were built. The last Lim-5, produced on June 30, 1960, is designated 1C 19-14. Main production lasted 44 months, with an average production rate of 11 aircraft per month. It is worth noting the factory’s excellent mastery of aircraft production and the high level of workmanship of all units.
The delivery of new aircraft to combat regiments resulted in a rotation of aircraft. MiG-15s, MiG-15 bis, Lim-1s, and Lim-2s were gradually transferred to the ground attack aircraft. This process lasted from 1957 to 1960. The last two ground attack regiments, based in Mirosławiec and Inowrocław, received jet aircraft in 1960. This marked the end of the era of piston-engined aircraft in ground attack aviation.
Lim-5 Aircraft Uses
By 1960, approximately 357 Lim-5 aircraft had entered service with Polish fighter regiments. This aircraft became the primary daytime fighter defending Polish skies. The lack of a radar sight meant it was not a primary fighter. This role was fulfilled by 12 MiG-17 PF aircraft assembled in the Independent Pursuit Squadron, attached to the 1st Polish Fighter Regiment. At the same time, radar-equipped MiG-19 P fighters and radar-missile-equipped MiG-19 PM fighters were already in service. The need to introduce more radar-equipped aircraft with radar sights was inevitable.
The Lim-5 aircraft were very important to the Polish Army. Many fighter pilots flew these aircraft before they began flying MiG-19 and MiG-21 fighters. However, in military history, the Lim-5 aircraft are described only cursorily. We believe this is unfair, and the aircraft should have a place of its own. Furthermore, the Lim-5 was the most-produced fighter aircraft in Polish history.
Lim-5 R nb 506.
The Lim-5 R nb 506 aircraft is displayed as an exhibit at the Regional Museum in Dębica. The PZL Lim-5R, tail number 506 (serial number 1C-0506), is a Polish reconnaissance fighter manufactured at the PZL Mielec plant in 1957. In addition to its standard armament, the aircraft was equipped with a camera, hence the letter “R” in its designation. Note: It is important to distinguish the Lim-5 R, tail number 506 (1957), 1C 05-06, from the Lim-6 bis, tail number 1J 05-06, which also served with the Polish Air Force.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman