NAA A-5 Vigilante

The supersonic naval bomber built for carrier-based nuclear strike.

Overview

North American Aviation (NAA) United States 1956–1970 $30 million

The North American A-5 Vigilante was a carrier-capable bomber designed for supersonic nuclear delivery. Developed for the United States Navy, it featured advanced avionics and high-speed performance. The aircraft later transitioned to a reconnaissance role.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric J79-GE-8
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 17,000 lbf · 76 kN
Avionics
AN/ASB-12 Bombing & Navigation Radar, Westinghouse AN/APD-7 SLAR, etc.
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
76 ft 6 in  ·  23.32 m
Tail height
19 ft 4 in  ·  5.90 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Wing span
53 ft 0 in  ·  16.15 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
66,000 lb  ·  29,900 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
30,200 lb  ·  13,700 kg
Fuel capacity
290 gal · 1,100 L · 900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,147 kt  ·  1,320 mph  ·  2,124 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,121 nm  ·  1,290 mi  ·  2,080 km
Fuel burn
4.45 nm/gal  ·  2.18 km/L
Ceiling
52,100 ft  ·  15,900 m
Rate of climb
8,000 ft/min  ·  41 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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North American RA-5C Vigilante.

Operational Context

NAA A-5 Vigilante — supersonic carrier-based bomber

The A-5 first flew in 1958 and entered service in the early 1960s as a nuclear strike aircraft for the U.S. Navy. It featured a sleek fuselage, twin engines, and a unique internal weapons bay. The design emphasized speed and advanced navigation systems for carrier operations.

Powered by two General Electric J79 turbojet engines producing approximately 17,000 pounds of thrust (76 kN) each with afterburner, the Vigilante exceeded Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight was about 80,000 pounds (36,300 kg). The aircraft’s size and speed were notable among carrier-based jets.

The A-5 was later converted into the RA-5C reconnaissance variant, which saw extensive service in Vietnam. Although its bomber role was short-lived, the Vigilante remains one of the most advanced naval aircraft of its time. Its performance and complexity made it a standout in carrier aviation history.