page_title: North American A-5 Vigilante
hierarchical_section_title: North American A-5 Vigilante
caption_attribution_description: The 4th production North American A3J-1 Vigilante bomber (BuNo 146697) conducted the type's initial carrier suitability tests aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during the week of 25 July 1960. Piloted by NATC's CDR Carl Cruse, LCDR Ed Decker and LT Dick Wright, the Vigilante made 14 successful launches and arrested landings. This aircraft is today preserved at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland (USA). Note the folded fin to fit in the hangars. Clearly visible two of Saratoga´s radars, SPS-8 on the island and SPN-6 in the mast.
context_page_description: The North American A-5 Vigilante was an American carrier-based supersonic bomber designed and built by North American Aviation for the United States Navy. It set several world records, including long-distance speed and altitude records. Prior to 1962 unification of Navy and Air Force designations, it was designated the A3J Vigilante.
  The aircraft briefly replaced the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior as the Navy's primary nuclear-strike aircraft, but its RA-5C tactical strike reconnaissance variant saw extensive service during the Vietnam War.
context_section_description: The North American A-5 Vigilante was an American carrier-based supersonic bomber designed and built by North American Aviation for the United States Navy. It set several world records, including long-distance speed and altitude records. Prior to 1962  unification of Navy and Air Force designations, it was designated the A3J Vigilante.
  The aircraft briefly replaced the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior as the Navy's primary nuclear-strike aircraft, but its RA-5C tactical strike reconnaissance variant saw extensive service during the Vietnam War.
caption: An A3J-1 (later A-5A) during trials on USS Saratoga, 1960.
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