Trumpeter 01616 1/72 RA-5C Vigilante Assembly Model Kit

Details of Trumpeter 01616 1/72 RA-5C Vigilante Assembly Model Kit

Basic Specifications

• Brand: Trumpeter
• Item No.: 01616
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: US Navy North American RA-5C Vigilante Carrier-Based Reconnaissance Aircraft
• Material: Plastic
• Finished Size: Approx 317mm ×225mm

Kit Contents

• Total around 130 plastic parts
• Photo-etched detail parts included
• Clear transparent parts for tandem two-seat cockpit canopy
• Twin J79 turbojet engine assemblies
• Underwing hardpoints and external drop tank components
• Reconnaissance sensor canoe parts
• Decals & assembly instruction manual
• Unpainted and unassembled kit, paint and glue not included

Product Features

• Accurately reproduced US Navy RA-5C Vigilante supersonic carrier reconnaissance jet
• Faithfully modelled tandem two-seat cockpit with ejection seats and instrument panels
• Distinctive humped fuselage housing additional fuel and reconnaissance sensor suite
• Fine engraved panel lines and rivet details across fuselage, swept wings and empennage
• Detailed blown flaps on wing leading and trailing edges
• Precise tricycle carrier landing gear with robust struts, detailed wheel wells and wheels
• Optional underwing pylons for mounting external fuel drop tanks
• Replicated ventral reconnaissance sensor canoe for cameras, infrared scanner and side-looking radar
• Twin engine exhaust nozzles with accurate shape and texture
• Multiple marking options for US Navy reconnaissance attack squadrons during Vietnam War

Historical Background

• The RA-5C Vigilante was developed by North American Aviation, evolved from the original A-5 (A3J) carrier-borne nuclear strike bomber.
• After the US Navy abandoned its carrier nuclear bombing mission, the airframe was modified into a high-speed tactical reconnaissance platform.
• It was crewed by two pilots, powered by two J79 turbojet engines and capable of reaching Mach 2 speed, used for high-risk overflights to capture photographic, radar and infrared intelligence.
• The RA-5C saw extensive combat reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
• It remained in US Navy service until 1979; it is one of the largest and heaviest supersonic aircraft ever operated from aircraft carriers.