Die-cast metal.
Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.
Pre-painted with pad applied markings.
Fully assembled.
Display stand included.
Option to display model with wheels up or down.
Minimum use of plastic.
The North American A3J Vigilante first flew on August 31, 1958 and was in service until
November 1979. Originally designed as a Mach 2 all-weather bomber; the aircraft eventually had
a new role of high-speed reconnaissance. In 1962 the Vigilante received new designators, the
original A3J-1 became the A-5A, A3J-2 became A-5B while the reconnaissance version A3J-3P
became the RA-5C and first flew June 30, 1962. The Vigilante was the largest and fastest aircraft
to operate from an aircraft carrier. The RA-5C was heavily used in the Vietnam War.
North American A-5A Vigilante 149299 was delivered to the USN January 1963 and shuffled
around for the next two years. It was assigned to VAH-3 and then VAH-1 as well as VAH-7 before
returning to VAH-3 that became RVAH-3. In February 1966 the aircraft was converted to an
RA-5C and again shuffled around the USN. It was assigned to RVAH-6, 7, 3, 7, 12, 3, 12, and
finally in 1973 RVAH-9 as AJ602 when they sailed on the USS Nimitz from July 1976 until
February 1977. SOC in 1977.