Developed from the A-5 nuclear bomber and used in a reconnaissance role, the RA-5C Vigilante was the largest and fastest aeroplane ever to operate from the deck of an aircraft carrier. During the Vietnam War it sustained the highest loss ratio of any American aircraft in that conflict. This book includes compelling accounts of combat missions over key communist targets, where crews dodged Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) and anti-aircraft fire to secure all-important mission photographs. Written by a Vigilante combat veteran this book is crammed full of action-packed first-hand accounts. Text by Robert R Powell with illustrations by Jim Laurier.

Contents

• Background and Development
• Escalation 1964-68
• Highway Patrol 1969-71
• War Finale 1972
• Other Days, Other Missions 1964-79
• Cruises/Units Involved with Dates
• Vigilante Losses

Osprey Combat Aircraft