Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Diecast Model

North American Aviation RA-5C (A-5) Vigilante – #149299, Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 9 (RVAH-9) "Hoot Owls", USS Nimitz, U.S. Navy, 1977

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

North American A-5 Vigilante BuNo 149299 was delivered to the US Navy in January 1963 and was moved around between squadrons over the next few years. It was assigned to VAH-3 then to VAH-1 as well as VAH-7 before it returned to VAH-3 that became RVAH-3. In February 1966 the aircraft was converted to an RA-5C and again shuffled around to various squadrons. It was assigned to RVAH-6, 7, 3, 7, 12, 3, 12, and finally to RVAH-9 and their deployment on the USS Nimitz from July 1976 until February 1977.

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 aircraft 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: