Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Die-cast Model

North American Aviation RA-5C (A-5) Vigilante – 149283, RVAH-11, U.S. Navy, USS Forrestal, 1967

1:72 Scale.  Length: 12.75".  Wingspan: 8.8"


Limited production of approximately 600 models worldwide

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 is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, diecast models. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. They are made with die-cast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a RA-5C Vigilante features: