Description
Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Diecast Model
North American Aviation RA-5C (A-5) Vigilante – #156624, LCDR Joe Gerber & Lt. Jomo Thomas, Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 6 (RVAH-6), USS Nimitz, U.S. Navy, 1978
1:72 Scale. Length: 12.75". Wingspan: 8.8"
North American RA-5C Vigilante #156624 was accepted by the U.S. Navy in January 1970 and assigned to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 6 (RVAH-6) “Fleurs” from 1970-1971 on a cruise aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Over the next 7 years the aircraft was assigned to RVAH-5 “Savage Sons”, RVAH-9 “Hoot Owls” and RVAH-12 “Speartips”, before returning to RVAH-6 as AJ602. 156624 made its final flight in 1978 and is now displayed at the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola, Florida wearing AJ-601 from its last cruise aboard the USS Nimitz.
The A-5 Vigilante was a carrier-based supersonic bomber designed and built by North American Aviation for the U.S Navy as a replacement for the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior. However, its service as a nuclear strike aircraft was very short as its mission changed to tactical reconnaissance. The A3J-1 Vigilante (redesignated A-5A in September 1962) was first flown on August 31, 1958 and entered squadron service in June 1961. The RA-5C, the reconnaissance variant, saw extensive service during the Vietnam War starting in 1964. The RA-5C was generally regarded as the best tactical photo-reconnaissance aircraft in the Navy, when it was working properly.
During the Vietnam War, 8 U.S Navy RVAH squadrons flying the RA-5C completed a total of 32 combat cruises. 18 RA-5Cs were lost in combat, most of them to anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) and another 5 were lost in accidents. This was the highest loss rate of any Navy aircraft involved in the war. After the end of the Vietnam War, RA-5Cs continued to operate from carriers for a few more years, serving on carriers during cruises in the Mediterranean and Western Pacific.
Hobby Master offers a wide selection of quality, pre-assembled, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted to a high level of accuracy using specifications of the original aircraft. They are constructed with precision-made diecast metal and some plastic components.
This model of a RA-5C Vigilante features:
Opening canopy
Detailed cockpit with removable pilot figure
Realistic panel lines
Historically accurate printed markings
Optional extended landing gear
Display stand
Box with RA-5C Vigilante artwork
Category: Hobby Master 1:72 Military Aircraft Models
Not suitable for children under the age of 14 years
|