The A-5 Vigilante was a truly magnificent aircraft of its time. It was optimized for low-level attacks at high
speeds and was one of the biggest aircraft that ever operated from a carrier. Out of the 63 bomber variants built,
all but ten were converted to RA-5C reconn. variants in the end.
The first prototype, the YA3J-1 Vigilante, was first rolled out on May 16, 1958, with its first flight on August 31,
1958. It was powered by two General Electric YJ79-GE-2 engines. The first production A3J-1 Vigilante aircraft flew
later in 1960. These aircraft were fitted with the more powerful J-79 engines, leading to the J-79-GE-8 engines which
had 16,500 pounds (7,480 kilograms) thrust.
The A3J-2 attack variant, later dubbed the A-5B, and the RA-5C reconn. variant were built later on. In all, 156
Vigilantes were built including the prototypes, one of which still survives on display at the Naval Aviation Museum
(Pensacola, Florida).
Summary Copyright © Charles M (JetWhiz)