RA-5C

The story of the RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance/attack navigator who became the only American aviator to escape after being captured in North Vietnam

The story of the RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance/attack navigator who became the only American aviator to escape after being captured in North Vietnam

On Mar. 9, 1967, RVAH-13 RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance/attack navigator (RAN) Lt(jg) Frank Prendergast embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) became… Read More

12 months ago

That time an RA-5C pilot jokingly said the Vigilante was aimed to replace the SR-71 Blackbird

The legendary SR-71 Blackbird was then operating from Kadena AFB. The visiting RA-5C Vigilante drew its usual oohs and aahs…… Read More

2 years ago

Former RA-5C Pilot explains why Vigilante’s drivers were a sort of Superman

The RA-5C Vigilante had a fearsome reputation among pilots. Indeed, there were cases of officers turning down orders to an… Read More

2 years ago

Naval Aviator explains why the Iconic Vigilante is his favorite US Navy Aircraft

‘The “Viggie” was fast as stink - Mach 2 at altitude - and I always felt it was just a… Read More

3 years ago

That Time an RA-5C Vigilante and its F-4 Escort Pulled Up into a Thunderstorm to Evade North Vietnamese AAA, were Flipped Upside Down by the Turbulence and Popped Out of the Squall Inverted

`Once back on the ship, the guys in the ready room threatened to mount a Brownie camera on top of… Read More

4 years ago

The RA-5C Vigilante’s Flights Over Cuba during the Missile Crisis that Never Were and “Jiffy Soda” Missions

On Oct. 13, 1962 John Fosness, then Vigilante Programme Manager at NAA received a call from the Pentagon at his… Read More

4 years ago

Impressive photo shows RA-5C Vigilante doing successful barricade arrestment aboard USS Constellation

The RA-5C was damaged by antiaircraft fire during a combat mission over Vietnam Taken on Aug. 18, 1968 the impressive… Read More

6 years ago