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The North American A-5 Vigilante began life as the A3J, a large, twin-engine, carrier-based nuclear strike aircraft developed for the U.S. Navy. First flown on Aug 31ˢᵗ, 1958, it was one of the most ambitious aircraft ever designed for carrier operations and became the only Mach 2 bomber to serve aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
Originally intended to replace earlier naval nuclear strike aircraft such as the AJ Savage and A-3 Skywarrior, the Vigilante was fast, sleek and technically complex. It used two General Electric J79 turbojets, a two-man crew, a high-mounted swept wing and an unusual linear bomb bay between the engines. Instead of dropping a weapon from a conventional bay, the A3J was designed to eject its nuclear weapon and fuel-tank package rearwards from the aircraft.
The aircraft entered service as the A3J-1 and was redesignated A-5A under the 1962 U.S. military aircraft designation system. Its original nuclear strike role was short-lived, as U.S. Navy strategy shifted away from manned carrier-based strategic bombing and towards submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The Vigilante’s speed, altitude performance and large airframe made it better suited to a new mission: high-speed tactical reconnaissance.
The RA-5C became the definitive Vigilante variant. Fitted with a sensor canoe beneath the fuselage, it carried cameras, side-looking radar, infrared mapping equipment and electronic intelligence systems. These aircraft flew dangerous pre-strike and post-strike reconnaissance missions over Vietnam, often returning over heavily defended targets soon after strike aircraft had attacked.
The RA-5C saw extensive Vietnam War service from 1964, with Vigilante squadrons making repeated carrier deployments to Southeast Asia. The aircraft was fast and capable, but its mission was hazardous. Eighteen RA-5Cs were lost in combat during the Vietnam War, giving the type one of the highest loss rates among Navy carrier aircraft.
A total of 156 Vigilantes were built, including A-5A, A-5B and RA-5C aircraft, with additional earlier aircraft converted to reconnaissance standard. The Vigilante was phased out after the Vietnam War because of its cost, complexity and the reduced need for a dedicated carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft. The final RA-5C flight took place on Nov 20ᵗʰ, 1979.
RA-5C Vigilante Die-cut stickers
$6.81 USD
Originally intended to replace earlier naval nuclear strike aircraft such as the AJ Savage and A-3 Skywarrior, the Vigilante was fast, sleek and technically complex. It used two General Electric J79 turbojets, a two-man crew, a high-mounted swept wing and an unusual linear bomb bay between the engines. Instead of dropping a weapon from a conventional bay, the A3J was designed to eject its nuclear weapon and fuel-tank package rearwards from the aircraft.
The aircraft entered service as the A3J-1 and was redesignated A-5A under the 1962 U.S. military aircraft designation system. Its original nuclear strike role was short-lived, as U.S. Navy strategy shifted away from manned carrier-based strategic bombing and towards submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The Vigilante’s speed, altitude performance and large airframe made it better suited to a new mission: high-speed tactical reconnaissance.
The RA-5C became the definitive Vigilante variant. Fitted with a sensor canoe beneath the fuselage, it carried cameras, side-looking radar, infrared mapping equipment and electronic intelligence systems. These aircraft flew dangerous pre-strike and post-strike reconnaissance missions over Vietnam, often returning over heavily defended targets soon after strike aircraft had attacked.
The RA-5C saw extensive Vietnam War service from 1964, with Vigilante squadrons making repeated carrier deployments to Southeast Asia. The aircraft was fast and capable, but its mission was hazardous. Eighteen RA-5Cs were lost in combat during the Vietnam War, giving the type one of the highest loss rates among Navy carrier aircraft.
A total of 156 Vigilantes were built, including A-5A, A-5B and RA-5C aircraft, with additional earlier aircraft converted to reconnaissance standard. The Vigilante was phased out after the Vietnam War because of its cost, complexity and the reduced need for a dedicated carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft. The final RA-5C flight took place on Nov 20ᵗʰ, 1979.
Product Details
Product Details | Die-Cut Stickers
Bring your favourite aircraft along for the ride with our warbird-inspired die-cut stickers. Designed for laptops, drink bottles, notebooks, toolboxes and more, they’re an easy way to add aviation artwork to your everyday gear, indoors or out.
✈ Die-cut design, follows the shape of the artwork for a clean, distinctive finish
✈ Durable vinyl construction, provides a flexible sticker suited to everyday use
✈ Protective matte coating, gives the artwork a smooth, low-glare finish while adding protection against wear
✈ Water and weather resistant, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use with a rated durability of 5+ years
✈ Strong adhesive backing, helps keep the sticker securely in place on suitable surfaces
✈ Easy-peel backing, makes application quick and straightforward
✈ Available in 5 sizes:
- 2″ × 2″ (5.1 × 5.1 cm),
- 3″ × 3″ (7.6 × 7.6 cm),
- 4″ × 4″ (10.2 × 10.2 cm),
- 5″ × 5″ (12.7 × 12.7 cm),
- 6″ × 6″ (15.2 × 15.2 cm).
Note: Listed sizes are nominal print sizes. As each sticker is die-cut to suit the artwork, the finished dimensions may vary slightly depending on the shape and orientation of the design.
Production & Shipping
Manufacturing | Die-Cut Stickers
Production & Shipping times can be found here.
Made to Order
This product is made to order with production beginning once your order has been received. We are, therefore, not able to cancel or amend an order once it has been placed. This includes changes to the shipping address, size, design, or any other specifications. Please review your order details carefully before finalising your purchase.
By producing items on demand rather than in large quantities, we actively contribute to minimising overproduction and waste. We genuinely appreciate your mindful purchasing choices, which support this more sustainable approach. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Colour and Design Variations
Minor variations in colour and design placement may occur during production. As a result, some design elements may differ slightly in colour or position from it appears onscreen. For more details please see our FAQ page.
Fulfilment and Product Origin
This product is printed in and are shipped from the United States.
Blank product sourced from the United States.
Care Instructions
Care Instructions | Custom Die Cut Stickers Printed Simply
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Use a soft, clean, dry cloth. Wipe gently from the centre of the card outward. |
Refunds & Returns
Our Returns & Refund Policy and Apparel Size Guarantees and can be found here.