Discover the transformative journey of the North American RA-5C Vigilante, originally designed as the carrier-based A-5 supersonic bomber, and later redesigned as a reconnaissance aircraft that played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War. The legacy of BuNo 150839 continues as RA-5C Vigilante PlaneTags.

Read more about it on our blog: RA-5C Vigilante: The Transformation From Bomber to Spy

OUR PLANE'S STORY

Bureau Number (BuNo) 150839 was delivered to the U.S. Navy in February 1964 and actively served until 1970. Throughout its service life, it was assigned to various units such as VAH-3 Heavy Attack Squadron Three, RVAH-11 Reconnaissance Attack Heavy, RVAH-1, RVAH-3, and RVAH-13. This aircraft also saw duty aboard several aircraft carriers, including the USS Ranger, USS America, USS Enterprise, USS Forrestal, and USS Saratoga.

The RA-5C was equipped with a "canoe" under its fuselage, containing advanced reconnaissance gear like SLAR (Side Looking Airborne Radar), various photo cameras, and infrared and low-light sensors, along with passive electronic countermeasures for intercepting data from enemy radar and radio networks. Introduced to Southeast Asia in 1964, the RA-5C quickly proved invaluable, mapping the entirety of Vietnam in under two weeks.

Secure a piece of aviation history with your own RA-5C Vigilante PlaneTag today – order now while supplies last!

RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 150839

Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: North American Aviation
• Model: RA-5C
• Buno: 150839
• Crew: 2 (1 Pilot, 1 Reconnaissance Attack Navigator)
• Wing Span: 53 ft 0 in
• Length: 76 ft 6 in
• Height: 19 ft 5 in

Performance:

• Combet Range: 974 mi
• Top Speed: 1,146 Kts (Mach 2.0)
• Ceiling: 52,100 ft
• Empty Weight: 37,489 lb
• Max Takeoff: 79,588 lb
• Rate of Climb: 8,000 ft/min
• Engine: 2x General Electric J79-GE-10 Turbojets

DISCLAIMER

Perfect Aviation Gift

PlaneTags are: 

• Authentic - made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. 
• Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
• Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 
  
• Versatile - comes with a durable metal ring, strong enough to attach to luggage or keys or display.

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.