Flew RA-5c version '70-74. In '81 went to work at AEDC in wind tunnels as an aero. Worked there for over 30 years. Worked with quite a few folks from GD/FW. Mack Shafer and I became good friends.
Travis Brice, e-mail, 05.08.2020 20:51
Hi Ernie. My name is Travis Brice, living in Friendswood TX. I am an old aero engineer (78), consider myself also an aero guy. I began at AEDC in Tennessee, GD/FW doing WT tests on F-111 and F-16, then to NASA for Shuttle. I have a group of ex-MIL pilots (and me) who gather to talk airplanes (b4 COVID). One flew F-86D's and I found this site while researching the Dog. I'd love to email other aviation enthusiasts. One of our guys is a WWII Marine who signed up in June 1941, flew 2 tours, then Korea, and is still mobile at 99. TB
Mark Lamprey, e-mail, 06.03.2017 00:28
In October 1965, myself and 4 of my classmates from Photographers Mate (A) School, in Pensacola, were assigned to RVAH-12, based at NAS Sanford, Florida, It was about 3 months after the squadron had been commissioned.
The RA-5C Vigilante was a truly beautiful aircraft and incredible to watch taking off, landing and in flight. It had was an incredibly advanced aircraft and had a very sophisticated and elaborate reconnaissance package with a variety of cameras that could be installed, as well as extensive electronic data gathering capabilities. Sadly, as a Photographers Mate (PH3) I felt my assignment was a waste of 3 months of Photo School as we were used basically as "parts changers", doing jobs that required no photographic training. About the only time that I got to do actual photography was when we deployed and I got to assist, during my free time, in the ships Photo Lab.
In 1966, we deployed on the U.S.S. Saratoga (CVA-60) to the Mediterranean, and on 1967 to Vietnam on the U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64), sadly losing two of our aircraft and their crews. One crew was shot down and ended up as POW's, the other crew was killed when their plane crashed returning to the ship after a mission.
After my discharge, in December 1967, I stayed in the Orlando area and still remain there. I was on hand when the RA-5C, that is on display at what was NAS Sanford, and is now the Orlando-Sanford International Airport, was dedicated. Every time that I see that aircraft it brings back memories from one of the most incredible times of my life, where I worked with many great people, saw foreign countries, and did things that many people could only dream of doing.
Charles Boyd, e-mail, 10.12.2016 18:07
My friend John Hoppe flew the viggie. John said he remembers every carrier landing he made in detail after 40 years. He said he will never forget.
Joe Lolley, e-mail, 27.11.2016 20:40
I was in USN from 07/70 until 01/74. I went to RVAH-3 for training following "C" school, then deployed with RVAH-11 for WestPac 71/72 and Med Cruise 73. I was a PH-2 when I got out after 3.5yrs (early out due to base move from NAS Albany, GA to NAS Key West, FL. The Viggie was a great aircraft. I always remember the "nose up" attitude in flight, and how loud she was on take-off and landing. One of the biggest, nosiest AC on a carrier.
Rodney Chapman, e-mail, 17.07.2016 18:39
Re: Keene Little Cudos to you! In a previous comment, I mentioned as being in the first Vigilante squadron (also RCAH7) back when they were A5A's. This was in 1962. I'd love to see your movies and, if there is a picture of the Vigilante. please email it? in flight suitable to put on a shirt? I reside still in Sanford, Fl. where there is a beautiful static display of an RA5C at the entrance to the old NAS!
Rodney Chapman, e-mail, 17.07.2016 18:30
I was in HATRON &, the FIRST squadron to deploy with the A5A Vigilante! From NAS Sanford, Fl. aboard the USS Enterprise CVA(N)65. I would like to know if there are any photos of this aircraft suitable for application to t-shirts! I have a cruise book from 2 deployments (1962 & 1963 that would be perfect, but have no way to download to my computer!
Stephen Evans, e-mail, 28.03.2016 00:40
Surprisingly large aircraft to be operating from a carrier. A beautiful airplane non the less. Too bad it never got to "nuke" anyone.
Delbert hayes AEC ret, e-mail, 04.05.2015 06:14
I worked 14 of my 22 year tour on that aircraft. The flight controls were the latest and lots of fun to work on. Did no like the bace carts. All systems were a lot to learn. I still can remember PIN numbers on amps. Was a real challenge for an old mo boy. Made a reunion in Sanford in 2004.
John Mouw, e-mail, 08.04.2015 21:18
After I left electronics school in Millington I was sent to NAS Albany. I remember pressing my face to the window glass of the car I was riding in watching the Viggie take off at night in after-burner. I thought I was in heaven. After spending time in RVAH-3 and then RVAH-11, I realized I was in heaven.
EDWARD J. FERRETT, e-mail, 14.12.2014 23:30
I maintained, repaired, and tested the Auto Pilot system on the A3-J aircraft, in flight test. You could always tell when the A-3J was taxi-ing or flying in the area, as it had a sound all of it's own. It was a very good program to work on. A lot of good people.
Ernie Stoops, e-mail, 10.11.2014 04:40
I was a Dynamicist from june 57 to May 63 on the A3J/RA5C. It was a beautiful airplane, esp the A3J. We had a great Group doing the analyses, lab tests, wind tunnel tests and flight tests. George Hoskins was the Test Pilot on the A3J doing Flutter Tests, a GREAT test pilot.
chuck armstrong, e-mail, 03.08.2014 16:46
Worked in airframes in Key West. Yes a neat airplane but hard to keep in the air the older it got. The flight control system and hydraulic system was not mechanic friendly. Still the coolest looking plane in the air by far!
Paul Scott, e-mail, 28.04.2014 19:19
Great aircraft - for some reason, don't know why, it's overshadowed by other supersonic bombers, when it was I a class of its own, like the F-111 or the B-58 'Hustler'.
Ray Williams, e-mail, 27.11.2013 16:51
I was at NAAS (Naval Aux. Air Sation) Sanford in VAH-3 When The A3js arrived. Worked flight line ASB (fire control Bombing) out of building 126 (it was still there last time I got up there in 2009) WE had an indecent where a Vigi went to afterburner chained down to the ramp. I ended up partially deaf from that experience. Would enjoy hearing from anyone that remembers that time. AQ1 Raymond Williams Retired, rwms@ij.net
Joe, e-mail, 21.08.2013 07:38
USS Constellation trapped an RA-5C during a daytime barricade event August 18 1968. I've been looking for either PLAT footage or home video of that even for many years if anyone can help.
Paul Scott, e-mail, 08.04.2013 18:57
What an excellent aircraft, before the Tomcat. Although America had the Phantom in USN service, this really was the cutting edge, for a carrier-based aircaft
Ron Bugess, e-mail, 21.12.2012 00:43
Served with RVAH-1, NAS Sanford, 1964-66, Heavy 1 flew off the USS Indepence CVA-62 in 1965 in South China Sea. Biggest beast on the Carrier & fastest. But now protection over mission site. The Vigi's took the heaviest losses per mission of the war. Like to go back to Sanford and see the place. Guess we won't hear "Launch the Heavies" anymore.
Jerry Steinle, e-mail, 04.12.2012 05:16
After leaving the Navy in Aug. of 1959 as a 2nd class aircraft electronic tech. I went to work at North American Aviation in Columbus Ohio. Got to work on the A3J from the early stages and then on to the RA5C recon version. A beautiful airplane and fast. I was on the team that set the altitude record for it's type and also help deliver the first A3J's to the Navy in Sanford Fl. The recon version had tons of electronic equip. and I got to work on the camera systems made by Chicago Aireal Industries. Seems to me I remember a mad scramble to get one ready to take pictures over Cuba before it actually became operational.
DAVID LAWHORN, e-mail, 11.06.2012 20:13
When I arrived at NAS Albany Georgia in August 1969 assigned to RVAH-3. We had the C-47,TA-3B,TA4J,and the best looking aircraft the Navy has ever purchased RA-5C. I got to work with some really good sailors while being assigned to RVAH-3. I had orders to RVAH-9 but tranfered to Naval hospital Jax and never got to go on cruise with her. After 31 years active duty and now working at Pax River MD the Vigilante in the air museum was one I had worked on.
Larry Sibley, e-mail, 12.03.2012 20:18
what wonderful memories @ the naa columbus plant. i was lead man in the non destructive testing dept (x-ray) spent a lot of time x-raying the titanium duct work for the boundry layer control (blc) system that was a whole new control system concept. at the time titanium was almost a exotic metal that was very difficult to form into the complex shapes for the system and consequently had to be welded from many small pieces and inspected for welding defects 100%. the vig had a very strange trade mark sound that could be heard all over the east side of columbus in the wee hours out on the ramp @ run up. this was in 1963 / 1965. best job i ever had.
Steve Denoo, e-mail, 06.01.2012 16:08
This is one of the most under rated aircraft ever. I observed them coming on board the ship. Then if you have had the opportunity and when you saw them show off and do what they were designed for, it takes your breath away. There is nothing in the air that can compete with it today. Years ahead of its time. A few years ago the Navy wanted to bring them back, but Politics got in the way.
Rick Norton AE3, e-mail, 22.06.2011 19:35
I was stationed Albany Ga,RVAH-3 1970 to 1972 MY self,second class AT, and Warrant Officer Burkett. Got approval to be checked out to ride in the RA5C and A4E sky hawks. Had a great time getting rides in the A4 was bumped every time i got chance for the viggie by officer burkett. A lot of good memories going on carrier quals from norfolk va. After the navy i went to college became a pilot,. Still chief pilot for a major corp. Flying jets for 35 years. I was inspired by the pilots that i got to fly with at RVAH-3. thanks guys.
Kenneth Boone, e-mail, 21.06.2011 03:04
I worked at North American-Autonetics Div. in Anaheim Ca where we assembled and tested the inertial navigation system for the Vigi. Started working on submarine guidance then transfered to the Vige system in 1962-63. In 1962 another technicion Parker Bence and I joined the Navy Reserve and served two years active duty 63-65 at NAS Jacksonville O&R, mainly working with civilians who were setting up to overhaul and repair the electronics for the Vigi. Working on the RA-5c inertial guidance was one of the most enjoyable jobs that I had in my 35 years with North American/Rockwell Inter.
Keene Little, e-mail, 07.06.2011 07:32
When I earned my wings in 1976 I was asked if I liked taking pictures and I said I did. That and my carrier qualification grades got me assigned to the Vigis. I had the honor and privilege of flying in the last squadron to decommission (RVAH-7 Peacemakers) on a Westpac cruise in 1979. I loved the mission and I loved flying low and fast through the mountains (I have some great 8mm film of some of the flights), something the Vigi was well suited for. Oddly enough I also loved bringing it aboard the carrier, day and night -- it was a real challenge. It's the fastest looking airplane standing still. What a gorgeous airplane (I have a nice wood model, made in the Philippines, sitting above my desk) and some great memories.
Stan Kapp, e-mail, 27.04.2011 02:41
I loved watching the RA5c's coming out of overhaul at NAS Jax. The test flights in 1970-72 were amazing, Full burner takeoffs, Fuel dump flybuys..I saw one had landed on I-4 between Deland & Daytona beach, was on its way to Jax from Key West, ran into problems and Sanford had closed, made an uneventful landing and taxied to the rest area just past Sr-44.
Bart Osborne, e-mail, 20.04.2011 19:53
I started my design career In Cols. in 1956 on the YA3J-1. Later went to Palmdale to support flight test of the first three a/cs. At PMD we sorted out the variable inlets and bleed air that finally got the a/c to M=2+.Later worked on design of the A3J-3 which got cancelled in favor of the SR-71.
marvin leininger, e-mail, 08.03.2011 17:51
I worked the control tower at NAS Sanford, 1962-1966. The RAG was VAH3 and as I recall they got the first A3J/A5A. Heavy 5,7,9,1, aand 13 were there I believe. What a replacement for the A3 and the AJ Savage that was there when I first arrived. I recall Lt. Jerry Coffee who was "paddles" for FCLP's,later to become a POW in Nam. He lost a RA5C, also LCDR Charley James who was "The Man" of the RA5C. Many control tower memories of the Viggie, some not so good. Bob Hoover came around often, due to his affiliation with North American.
charles mann`, e-mail, 28.02.2011 16:46
Beautiful Aircraft. Was back seat on a launch and recovery on the JFK in 68-70 era. I was a flight surgeon with CRAW_1 at NAS ALBANY. Also have some good 8mm film on the carrier operations including 1 unfortunate accident.
Jim "Woody" Morris, e-mail, 23.02.2011 04:52
I was attach to RVAH5 in 1966-1967. My father Ron "Barrell" Morris served in RVAH3,VAP62,and RVAH5. We both served together in RVAH5. We made a Med Cruise in 66-67. I was one of the plane Captains. Well long story short I had the Vigiante pulled across my left leg. It was take off on board the USS America. But that was the best time of my life. She was a fast and sleake plane. I remember when Charley James dump fuel and did a barrell roll and lit the fuel. What a fire ring that was. Like the man said the is a great restored A-5 at the Sanford Airport. With Heavy 3 on the side..come see it.
Terry Ruf AME, e-mail, 10.01.2011 01:39
I had the privilege of working on the RA-5C Vigilanty in RVAH-9 from 72 to 75. I later went on to work on the Phantom & the Tomcat, but I will always love the time I spent in Heavy-9 & working on the Vigilanty.
Keith M Myers, e-mail, 28.12.2010 20:52
I was stationed at NAS Sanford, FL when the vigilante arrived, the first were designated A3J-1, I was the third Vigilante Plane Captain, of Aircraft BUNO 148925. I was later assigned to Heavy Seven aboard the USS Enterprise with the Vigilante. 12 per Squadron were to many for ship board duty.
Chris Thompson, e-mail, 27.11.2010 06:11
Had the great pleasure of retrieving a RA-5 Vigilante from China Lake in 1998. My command at NAS Fallon got the go ahead to use this aircraft as a static display. Unknown years of environment had worked it over. We started the dissasembly, found the seats to still be armed. A well placed phone call later and the fellas came out to help us with that. We all got a turn at popping a cad. So then anyway, we dissambled that wonderful Viggie and transported it to NAS Fallon for clean-up, reassembly, and painting. It now sits between the Chapel and Navy Fed. So cool, I see it everytime I go on base. As a side note, when I was rebuilding it, I met a Tech rep with one of the visiting squadrons. he had been active with a Viggie unit. He told me that with the Viggie's massive fuel load, they could go full power, in after a bomb raid for recon. The escort Phantom Pilots would bitch because they could not sustain the speed with their much smaller fuel load and would request the RA-5 Driver to slow down. I feel very lucky to have had time with this bird and those who did when it was operational. Long Live the Viggie drivers and Crews. Chris Thompson USN Retired
joe drake, e-mail, 24.11.2010 01:14
I was in RVAH-3, RVAH-5 and RVAH-6 FROM sEPT 69-Aug 79 and I enjoyed my time in the Viggies. I remember having to fly in the back seat of a viggie from North Island to NAS FALLON to repair a down aircraft and flew back to NORTH ISLAND as I was an E-5 at the time i felt I was real lucky to be selected for this mission.
Jim Davis, e-mail, 11.11.2010 00:42
I hired in at North American at the Columbus plant in June 1951. Fresh out of Ohio State Univ.I started in Production Planning under Stan Ballard. I was sent to the main plant in El Segundo for a year as a consultant, as the Main Plant was doing major planning and tool design for the A3J. On my return to the Columbus plant, I transferred from Planning to Engineering where I worked as a design engineer, in the wing group on the A3J
Steve Koziatek, e-mail, 07.11.2010 23:06
My dad work at NAA for quite some time from the 50's to the 70's. He was part of the design team developing the Vigi. We lived some ways from the plant but could always tell when one was out testing. Sonic Booms and all. They did some flying over Hocking Hills SW of Columbus. He always liked the A-3J-1 version best. He never did get to fly in one as far as I can remember. He made a few trips out west, one to the main plant in California to work on I believe the XB-70, as he brought back some skin samples. Later he made a trip to Boeing in Az. to help on some missile programs. After the Vigi program ended, he continued on with the OV-10 program at Columbus. When he was laid off there, he went to Bell in Arlington, Tx. to help design the XV-15 and the V-22. I used to live about a mile from the plant and you could always tell when one was coming in. A very distinct sound.
George Clark, e-mail, 30.10.2010 16:32
I graduated from the Test Pilot school in 1963 and waqs assigned to the carrier suitability branch at Pax River. I became the primary project test pilot for the RA-5C. I collected data and conducted the first carrier suitability tests on the viggie. I did minimum end airspeed cat shots, single engine landings aboard the carrier. Afterburner was essential for the touch and go. On one touch and go on the carrier, the afterburner failed to light on liftoff. I began to lose altitude. I kept recycling the AB and very close to the water, it finally lit. This aircraft (823) had a drogue chute for test purposes. One time during touch and go landings the chute popped out and the jettison didn't work. While sinking to the ground, I went to burner and was able to burn through the lines. I also did the first approach power tests on the viggie. The aircraft wasw not a comfortable aircraft to land aboard the carrier. It didhowever, have a wonderful mission. I went to Vietnam in 66-67 in the viggie and the photography was fantastic.
Charles P (Pat) Kelley, e-mail, 16.10.2010 23:12
Beautiful airplane, but lousy bomber. The concept had a bomb tube with a rear exit between the twin engine exhausts. What was supposed to happen was the nuclear weapon was to be released after an expendable cone was dropped, and the bomb extracted by drogue 'chute. What happened in practice was the drogue chute extracted the bomb, but got ripped off by engine exhaust, with the result being the bomb "drafted" the aircraft uncomfortably close for a short but unpredictable time. Even for a nuke, the accuracy resulting was unacceptable, and a hazard to the aircrew trying to exit the blast zone. Good reconnaissance aircraft, serving well during the Vietnam conflict.
Fred Wise, e-mail, 16.10.2010 21:09
My dad worked NAA Columbus from the F86 all the way thru the end of the A5C (back when it was still the A3J).
I worked at Columbus Apr thru 0ct 1962 on airframes 58-62.
Never solved the problem of a failure to roll out after an over the shoulder Labs maneuver (????)
Ive seen the paint burned off the engine nacelles due to hi-speed air friction!!! One fast brute!
RIck Brown, e-mail, 08.10.2010 01:22
I was a Jet Mech (ADJ-2) in RVAH-9 from 1970-74. Three MED cruises: Saratoga,Forrestal & Independence. What a great plane to work on. Took up alot of space on the flight deck The Vigi with gear up/clean was a beautiful. Remember on the Forrestal cruise(72-72) LCDR Clay Ramskill (now deceased, RIP Clay!) took off and as we were respotting the deck he came in extremely low and in max burner. As he reach the ship ,he went straight vertical and pulled the fuel dump tube. 100 feet off flame behind the bird as he spun out of sight!! Clay was a true Navy Pilot!!!
Robert Vaughn,PH1 Ret., e-mail, 26.09.2010 03:16
I was in RVAH 9 from 1963 thru 1965 then RVAH 1 from 1968 thru 1970 I spent many hours working on the camera's...then at photo school in Pensacola 1977 we had one parked in front of our bldg....It was later moved to the Naval Air and Space museum at NAS Sherman Field....
Michael Milos, e-mail, 09.09.2010 23:14
Worked at the O level hanger at NAS Alameda in the early 70's. We often supported Carrier Air Wings prior to deployment. Never forget the night the RA5C's landed post a tailhook failure on the Ranger. Unfortunately the RA5C didn't have a 0/0 seat, the two fliers were run over by the carrier. They eventually fixed the hook problem. Brave people flying the plane without 0/0 ejection seat. It was a beautiful plane to see in flight.
Cpt. Fucko, e-mail, 25.08.2010 02:31
I've never actually seen this plane in action before, but it looks pretty tight. Kind of has the F/A-8 and the A-7 body frame.
Tom Ruprecht, e-mail, 19.08.2010 17:36
Worked at North American in Columbus as Electronics Quality Control on the recon systems from 1963 through 1964. It paid my way through Ohio State. A beautiiful, hi-tech, macho airplane.
Olin Kane, e-mail, 09.08.2010 19:06
I flew in the back seat of the RA5C 1968-1970. Two combat cruises with RVAH-11 aboard the USS Kittyhawk. The only bad things I remember about the airplane were it's electronics. Primarily the INS (Inertial Navigation System). The INS was supposed to keep track of the aircraft's location, ie latitude and longitude. It was notoriously inaccurate and we always felt extremely fortunate if we got a flight with one that worked even fairly well. I think the violence of the cat shot and trap was the primary culprit. Today's GPS would've been a godsend.
Steve Logsdon, e-mail, 05.08.2010 22:17
My father also worked at NAA in Columbus from 1950 thru 1985. He was with the Vigi program pretty much stem to stern. Worked with most all of the systems at one time or another and had a number of trips to Pax River on some tech visits. Just before the Vigi left the fleet, Dad's longtime friend, Cmdr Morrison (and I apologize for forgetting his first name) hauled Dad down to the flight line, got him suited up, plopped him in the back seat and off they went. They were up for a few hours with Cmdr Morrison doing his best to make Dad sick and Dad in the back operating all the stuff that was back there. Got before and after pics with Dad striking his best fighter jock pose with one foot on the ladder. First pick is a s**t-eating grin on his face with all his hair neatly in place and the helmet under his arm. The "after" pic shows a man with mask marks, a blood shot eye, bad case of "helmet-hair" and the biggest smile on his face that he took to his grave about 5 years ago.
Cmdr. Morrison, if you're still out there, that was the biggest thrill of Dad's life and you are the hero of all his sons. Dale is looking down on all the former Vigi crews and probably partying with some.
Also, the work the Vigi's did in SEA saved my bacon a time or two, as well. Thanks.
Mike Sullivan, e-mail, 19.05.2010 00:40
My father worked for NAA and we were present for the first test flight at the Columbus Ohio production facility. As I remember they had 2 chase aircraft,AnF4J Fury and an F86 Sabre, both North American aircraft. All 3 seemed to be even at the end of the runway with chase aircraft in the air and the Vigilante standing still. The Vigilante gave full power and by the time they started to bank left at the other end of the runway(2 miles) the Fury was being left behind and the Sabre kept up for about 2 minutes. Both of these planes then landed and the Vigilante disappeared. The Vigilante then landed at military facility. We lived close, about 5 air miles, from the factory and we could hear the engines being run up everytime an aircraft was completed. It was exciting.
Doug Thomson, e-mail, 18.05.2010 19:05
I was stationed at sanford florida in themid 60's in RVAH-13.It was the RA-5C that our squadren had then.
Larry Hall, e-mail, 21.04.2010 07:35
A friend of mine referred me to this website. I flew the "vigi" in the 60's and have over 200 carrier landings. As Emerson Conrad Jr. and Grag Rager alluded to, it was an RA-5C. I did fly the A-5A (originally A-3J) in training in 1964 As far as I know, there was never a "G". It was a great and beautiful aircraft, but demanding to bring aboard the carrier. I loved flying the "C" and loved it's mission. And as Arne Nelson stated, there is a wonderful restored A-5 at the entrance to the Sanford Airport. There is a great restored RA-5C at the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola. The "Vigi" was an aircraft "before it's time".
Ross Peeler, e-mail, 05.04.2010 19:48
In 1960, I believe, I went to an airshow at Jax Navy. It was the first time I had seen the Vigilante-beautiful! At the end of the show, the A-5 took off headed East, held it down, accelerated, pulled up in the vertical, did an immelmann, and rolled out and I assume he was headed to Cecil. Quite a thrill. I subsequetly ended up in the USAF flying Phantoms, another Navy developed great fighter
Ross Peeler, e-mail, 05.04.2010 19:47
In 1960, I believe, I went to an airshow at Jax Navy. It was the first time I had seen the Vigilante-beautiful! At the end of the show, the A-5 took off headed East, held it down, accelerated, pulled up in the vertical, did an immelmann, and rolled out and I assume he was headed to Cecil. Quite a thrill. I subsequetly ended up in the USAF flying Phantoms, another Navy developed great fighter
Steve Burger, e-mail, 28.02.2010 00:48
I was stationed at NAF Sigonella, Sicily 1972-1975 and would have to stop what I was doing to watch anytime that an RA-5 would stop by or perform operations from our facility. It was one of the most beautiful, sleek and attention getting aircraft that I have ever seen. I now get to see the one on display at the entrance of Orlando Sanford Airport, just would love to see one with the afterburners glowing agian.
Brian Stevenson, e-mail, 18.12.2009 03:49
When I was a teenager in the mid '70s my dad served with two squadrons at NAS Key West. He was with the last squadron to be decomissioned and the lead plane from that squadron is hung on a pole here at the former NAS Millington. Beautiful, beautiful aircraft. Even with the design being nearly 50 years old it looks like it could beat modern day aircraft. I would love to see one fly again.
leo rudnicki, e-mail, 07.04.2009 22:34
I agree with the best looking flying aircraft opinion. I saw the fly out of Key West NAS and was most saddened when I saw one sitting in the back yard at the Pensacola Museum. Good you put it on a stick. Tricky landing,though.
JOHN J. PANOSKI, e-mail, 07.07.2008 04:56
The Empire State Aeroscience Museum (ESAM) has recently aquired a RA-5C Vigilante from the USS INTREPID collection in NYC. The aircraft is BUNO 156621 and is currently located @ the former General-Electric Flight Test Facility @ the Schenectady County Airp[ort in NY.
EMERSON CONRAD JR, e-mail, 19.05.2008 10:47
The original designator for this A/C was A-3J. A correction, in the nariative you reference the RA-5G, the G should be C. The specifications are for the A-5A bomber version. The picture is of the early version of the RA-5C which is heaver than the A-5A and it appears that the diagram may be the late version of the RA-5C which had -10 engines and wing fillets at the roots.
Greg Rager, e-mail, 05.05.2008 16:06
We had Vigilantes abord the USS Saratoga (CVA60) when I served during the mid-Sixties. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I always it was the RA-5C version we flew then. Sitting on the hanger or flight deck, it was an ungainly looking beast, but in the air, wheels up, it was a truely beautiful aircraft.
Arne Nelson, e-mail, 03.04.2008 19:52
This might have been the best looking aircraft the Navy ever flew, but was without question the loudest! The restoration is complete and looks terrific. The aircraft is on display as an "sirplane on a stick" at the entrance to the Sanford International Airport in Sanford Florida.
Frank Nicley, e-mail, 20.11.2007 06:25
We had just received the A-5 at VAH-7 at the Naval Air Station, Sanford, Florida in the late 60's. What a beautiful bird - understand that a group of ex-heavy Sanford men found one and are restoring it - any word on how that is coming?
