North American A-5 Vigilante (RA-5C Vigilante)

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22 Apr 2026 · © Unknown

A rare North American RA-5C Vigilante preserved in US Navy markings, a Cold War carrier-based supersonic reconnaissance icon.

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Aircraft

A-5 Vigilante (RA-5C Vigilante) A3J

United States Navy standard camouflage (Vietnam War-era) with squadron markings

156632

Registration

Airline

United States Navy

Manufacturer

North American

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Airbus Aficionado, Military Maverick

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Location

Orlando Sanford International Airport

SFB/KSFB

28.7743, -81.2346

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Orlando Sanford International Airport SFB

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The North American Vigilante was a supersonic bomber and reconnaissance platform used by the US Navy, representing advanced technology of the 1960s for aircraft carrier operations. The RA-5C (reconnaissance) version played a critical role in Vietnam War photo-reconnaissance.

Fleet Rarity

Extremely rare; no A-5 or RA-5Cs remain operational, with only a handful preserved as museum pieces.

Record Flights

Set then-records for carrier-launched aircraft speeds and altitudes; notable for supersonic flight from carriers.

Safety & Events

RA-5Cs saw extensive action over Vietnam, often on high-risk sorties; suffered relatively high attrition due to intense operational environment.

Future Outlook

This airframe is preserved as a static display/memorial. The Vigilante type retired in 1980 from US Navy service.

Specifications

2 × General Electric J79-GE-10 turbojets

Engine

16.15 m

Wingspan

23.32 m

Length

3,220 km

Range

1,030 km/h (Mach 0.9 typical cruise, Mach 2 max)

Speed

2 crew (side by side)

Capacity

29,940 kg

MTOW

5.93 m

Height

2 × 80.1 kN (18,000 lbf) each

Thrust

Approximately 130 dB at takeoff (no ICAO civil rating, as this is a military aircraft)

Noise