From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
| A-5 Vigilante | ||
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The two aircraft that rank as the heaviest the Navy ever deployed aboard carrier are the A-3 Skywarrior and the A-5 Vigilante. Designed by North American to be a supersonic, all-weather, strategic bomber, the Vigilante began life as the A3J and was redesignated A-5 in the general redesignation of Defense Department airplanes that occurred in 1962. The contractor referred to this design as the “North American General Purpose Attack Weapon” (NAGPAW). The first contract for this aircraft was awarded to North American by the Navy on 29 August 1956. Its first flight occurred two years later on 31 August 1958. Technical difficulties and strategic priorities prevented the A3J from ever serving in its intended role, but it did find a valuable place as a reconnaissance aircraft. The Vigilante was first reported in squadron by VAH-3 in June 1961, and completed its final deployment in September 1979. A total of 156 Vigilantes were bought.
