In the late 1950s work commenced in Poland on developing a light attack aircraft based on the Lim-5. The basic MiG-17 and Lim-5 could only carry two 250 kg bombs, which replaced their underwing fuel tanks. After building prototypes, designated 'CM', in 1960 Poles began production of an attack aircraft,
Lim-5M. It introduced several modifications, mostly to allow use from rough airfields. It had double
undercarriage wheels, a
braking parachute, and attachments for
RATO. The wing sections close to the fuselage were noticeably thicker, due to them containing additional fuel tanks. Instead of two bombs, it could carry two launchers for eight
S-5 rockets (57 mm). By
1961, 60 Lim-5M's were built and from November 1961 operated by the
Polish Air Force. They were not successful; thicker wings decreased performance, made handling tricky, and increased drag so much that the range was improved much less than planned.
In-flight Refuelling in Poland late 1950s
