Trumpeter 1/48th RA-5C Vigilante
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History
 First
flown in 1958, North American Aviation's Vigilante was a large, all-weather,
high speed carrier-based attack aircraft. It introduced many new and innovative
features, including the first heads-up display, first terrain-avoidance
radar, first variable air intakes with horizontal ramps, and a unique
linear bomb bay with a rearward-ejecting release mechanism. The initial
production
A-5A (A3J-1) variant was the pure attack aircraft and it operated at sea
only from 1962-64.
 Meanwhile,
redesign of the Vigilante for the reconnaissance role was underway. Delivery
of the major variant, the RA-5C, began in 1964. The RA-5C, which is best
known for its valuable recon service during the Vietnam War, remained
operational until 1979. During its service history, the RA-5C equipped
eight U. S. Navy squadrons (plus a training squadron). All of these squadrons
had colorful markings and offer a feast for the naval aviation modeler.
The Kit
 Trumpeter
has produced the first 1/48th injection-molded kit of the Vigilante (and
there is a planned follow-up in 1/72 scale as well). Trumpeter is to be
complimented for listening to modelers, since the Vigilante has been at
or near the top of airplane kit wish lists for years.
The kit parts are well-molded and detailed. The recessed panel lines
are petite, and the rivet/fastener detail is reasonable for the scale.
The cockpit is comprehensive, with detailed seats, tub, and consoles.
The instrument panels are molded in clear plastic with a sheet of acetate
instruments to fit behind them. Canopies can be placed in the open position.
 I
especially like the positionable control surfaces, and the option of folding
the wing tips and fin. Other nice features include the refueling probe,
radar unit, and General Electric J-79 engines (although they cannot be
seen when placed inside the fuselage). There are no tunnels to take you
from the air intakes all the way to the engine faces, but these could
be made by the modeler or the area could be blanked off to eliminate the
open interior space.
 It
is true that the RA-5C retained a secondary attack capability and was
tested with various conventional and nuclear ordnace loads, but these
were not carried operationally. Nevertheless, Trumpeter provides two Mk
28 and two Mk 43 nuclear bombs for the wing pylons. Probably a more useful
accessory is the included illumination pod.
The decal sheet has markings for one aircraft of RVAH-5 and one of RVAH-6.
Not to fret, because aftermarket decals are already in the pipeline and
you are sure to find your favorite squadron in the aftermarket if it is
not on the Trumpeter sheet.
 On
the subject of accuracy, there is a problem with the top of the vertical
tail, which should angle down (towards the rear) instead of being horizontal.
But this is easy to fix with a file.
Trumpeter has molded an RA-5C with mixed features. The leading edge
wing extensions and air intakes with straight outer edges suggest a late
RA-5C ( with J- 79-GE10
engines), but the tail cone and associated ECM fairing are typical of
the earlier J-79-GE8 powered aircraft. Check your references carefully
for the individual aircraft you are modeling. Perhaps the best modeler's
reference for close-up photos of Vigilante details is the Aerofax Minigraph
No. 9 by Michael Grove and Jay Miller.
Conclusion
The RA-5C is a most welcome release by Trumpeter and should be a hit
with U.S. Navy jet enthusiasts. Thanks to Stevens International for the
review sample.
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