North AMerican RA-5C Vigilante 

The RA-5C had its roots in the A-5A Vigilante,  designed in the 1950's as a strategic nuclear bomber (see photo at right).  The advent of the Polaris missile allowed this mission to be offloaded to the submarine force.  Clever management and engineering at North American came up with a modification to the basic design which allowed the aircraft to serve as a multi- sensor reconnaissance aircraft while maintaining its strategic attack capabilities.  The modified aircraft, the RA-5C, was advanced in practically every respect.  but this large, fast, sophisticated aircraft was a challenge to operate, maintain, and to fly. Here's an introdution to the RA-5C vigilante, arguably the most advanced production aircraft of the post war period.

 The "Heavy Attack" community

• Why do they call it "Attack"?

• And why  "Heavy Attack"?

Inside the RA-5C

• RA-5C Training 

• Engines and Engine Integration 

• Flight Controls 

• IOIC-IOIS 

• RA-5C Systems 

• RAN Cockpit 

Summary

• Issues 

• The A-5/ RA-5C, A historic Aircraft?