The RA-5C was a photographic reconnaissance adaptation of the Vigilante. It incorporated most of the changes that had been introduced with the A-5B, including the hump-backed fuselage with the extra fuel, the larger wing area, the blown flaps on the leading edge, and the four underwing hardpoints. Four external drop tanks could be carried underneath the wings, although these were seldom carried because there was ample fuel capacity within the fuselage itself. It was decided that earlier (now redundant) A-5As would be remanufactured to RA-5C standards, so the initial production of the RA-5C was restricted to only 43 planes. Of the 59 A-5As built, 43 were eventually reconfigured to RA-5Cs. In addition, all 18 of the A-5Bs that were ordered were delivered as RA-5Cs. The first RA-5C was delivered on December 10, 1963. During the Vietnam War, the Navy requested additional RA-5Cs, and the production line at North American-Columbus had to be reopened. 36 additional RA-5Cs were built, all of them manufactured with the 17,900 lb.s.t. J79-GE-10 engine. Most RA-5Cs were painted with the standard Navy insignia white and gull gray scheme.
Item No 01616
Item Name RA-5C Vigilante
Bar Code 6922803616162
Scale 1:72
Item Type Static Kit
Model Brief Length: 317 mm Wingspan: 225mm
Total Parts 137pcs
Total Sprues 6pcs sprues plus re-sensor canoe and tail cone
Paint Schemes RA-5C, BuNo.156609, GJ-300 of RVAH-3RA-5C, BuNo.156639, GM-603 of RVAH-9
Released Date n/a
More Features Optional position flaps