The Vigilante was designed as a Mach 2 carrier-based attack aircraft capable of carrying nuclear or conventional bombs. The first prototype flew on 31 August 1958 and 57 production A-5A attack aircraft were delivered to the US Navy, becoming operational on board USS Enterprise in February 1962. The other major version of the Vigilante was the RA-5G, a reconnaissance type of which more than 90 were built as new; most of the A-5A were subsequently converted to this standard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
