North American RA-5C Vigilante

The RA-5C was developed in parallel with the A-5B and made its first flight on June 30, 1962.
The RA-5C incorporated all of the A-5B's new features, such as the humped fuselage, large landing flaps, and the forward BLC system.
The new BLC system proved somewhat tricky to operate, requiring more engine power.
Because the RA-5C was significantly heavier than the A-5A, the aircraft lost power and was prone to abrupt stalls after the BLC system was activated.
The main difference from the A-5B was the RA-5C's equipment.
The television camera under the nose became part of the reconnaissance equipment, but the bulk of the equipment was carried in a long, slender "canoe" on the underside of the fuselage, running from the nose gear back to the tail. The RA-5C entered service in 1964. Following the 12 A-5Bs completed as RA-5Cs, 43 RA-5Cs were built.
After this batch of 43 aircraft was completed, the 43 remaining A-5As and A-5Bs were converted to RA-5C standards, and the production line was shut down.
The RA-5C proved so useful in Vietnam that the Navy ordered 46 more RA-5Cs in 1968.
However, only 36 were actually completed; the last rolled off the assembly line in August 1970.
This final batch featured J-79-GE-10 engines producing 79.46 kN (8,100 kgp / 17,860 lbf) of afterburner thrust, a leading-edge wing extension extending rearward from the air intakes, and slightly modified air intakes.
By this time, the RA-5C had sufficient performance and was no longer problematic when landing on carrier decks.

Plastic model kit

Scale 1:48

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included