RA-5C Vigilante Stars & Stripes Rocks Glass

Sale price$11.99 USD Regular price$14.99 USD
Save $3.00 USD

Tax excluded.


The RA-5C Vigilante was one of the most advanced and fastest carrier-based aircraft of its era, designed for high-speed reconnaissance during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Originally developed as the A-5 Vigilante, a supersonic nuclear strike bomber for the U.S. Navy, the design was soon adapted into the RA-5C—a specialised reconnaissance platform equipped with sophisticated sensors and cameras in place of nuclear weapons.

Powered by two General Electric J79 turbojets, the RA-5C could exceed Mach 2 and operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet, giving it the speed and reach to perform tactical and strategic recon missions deep into enemy territory. It featured a distinctive long, sleek fuselage, large wing area, and a high-mounted vertical stabiliser, along with an internal bay packed with optical, infrared, and electronic surveillance systems.

The Vigilante saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, flying some of the most dangerous missions of the conflict. RA-5Cs were routinely sent over heavily defended areas to photograph bombing results, scout future targets, or track enemy movements. These solo, high-speed missions made Vigilante crews some of the most at-risk aviators in the Navy. Nearly half of the aircraft deployed to Vietnam were lost, primarily to ground fire and surface-to-air missiles.

A total of 156 Vigilantes were built across all variants, including 85 RA-5Cs, making it a relatively rare aircraft. Though expensive and maintenance-intensive, it earned admiration for its performance and the bravery of its crews. Retired in 1980, the RA-5C remains one of the most iconic and capable carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft of the Cold War—an elegant blend of speed, technology, and courage.